i 


4 


c- 


Lyi^i-i 


-r-— ^ 


(Christian  il'nvits : 


CHii'i'LV  si;ij:ctkd  from  modkrx  authors. 


"  Such  songs  have  power  to  quiet 

Tlie  restless  pulse  of  care  ; 

And  come  hke  the  benediction 

That  follows  after  prayer  ! " 


Fno>r  Trir  iffizi  PAT.Arr.. 


WITH     UPWARDS    OF    ONE     HUNDRED     ENGRAVINGS. 


SCRIBNER,    W  EL  FORD.    AND    CO. 

iS68. 


ll 


V  R  !•:  !•  A  C  E. 


( N     this    little    volume   we    have    endeavoured     to    string 
together  such   Christian   Lyrics  as   seem  to  us  s])ecially 
adapted   to    be    the    expression  of   home    thoughts,    and 
\-^i^         the  companions  of  every-day  life. 

Mingled  with  many  lyrics  hitherto  unpublished,  or  but  little 
known,  will  be  found  some,  the  words  of  which  have  long  been 
familiar  to  us  all.  If  an  excuse  for  this  be  needed,  it  must  be  found 
in  the  feeling,  which  we  trust  others  will  share,  that — even  were 
it  not  for  their  intrinsic  beauty — they  are  enshrined  in  so  many 
hearts,  and  consecrated  by  so  many  long-cherished  and  hallowed 
associations,  that  no  collection  of  sacred  poetry  would  be  complete 
without  them. 

We  have  endeavoured,  as  far  as  possible,  to  print  these  lyrics 
in  their  original  form  :  except  in  one  or  two  instances,  we  have  not 
knowingly  omitted  any  of  the  verses  ;  but  should  occasional  incom- 
pleteness, or  deviation  from  the  true  reading,  be  detected,  it  must 
be  accounted  for  by  the  difficulty  of  trac-ing  some  of  these  ])ieces 
to  their   source,   and    to    the    consecpient    necessity  of   trusting   to 


M5i64C>Ji3 


PREFACE. 

collections,  the  editors  of  which  have  not  felt  themselves  bound  to 
be  equally  scrupulous.'"' 

To  those  authors  who  ha\  e  so  willingly  permitted  us  to  insert 
their  poems,  and  to  Messrs.  Longman  and  Co.,  who  have  allowed 
us  to  transfer  some  pieces  from  Lyra  Gcrmanica,  we  beg  here  to 
offer  our  deserved  acknowledgments. 

Should  our  little  collection  be  of  any  service  in  suggesting 
sacred  thoughts,  or  exciting  holy  feelings,  we  shall  not  regret  that 
we  have  brought  together,  for  the  cheering  of  others'  hearts,  what 
has  been  such  a  source  of  joy  and  refreshing  to  our  own. 


*  Since  the  publication  of  the  second  edition,  our  attention  has  been  called  to 
an  error  of  the  kind  above  referred  to.  The  two  verses  of  the  poem  beginning 
"Still  nigh  me,  O  my  Saviour,  stand,"  page  io8,  are  taken  from  hymns  by 
different  authors  ;  the  first  is  by  Charles  Wesley,  and  the  second  is  part  of  a  hymn 
translated  from  the  German  by  John  Wesley.  The  hymn  in  its  present  form  was 
borrowed  from  a  collection  where  it  had  grown  dear  and  familiar  to  us,  and  as  the 
pieces  alluded  to  are  too  long  to  insert  entire,  we  prefer  retaining  it  as  it  is,  hoping 
that  its  beautv  will  excuse  this  deviation  from  our  rule. 


CONTENTS. 


The  Sleep 

11.  />.  Brcnviiinq    . 

•5 

The  Peace  of  God 

/.  ./.  Procter 

17 

Prayer 

A'.  C.   Trciicli 

19 

The  Cloud 

Excelsior     .  . 

20 

The  Ivy 

C.  Mackay 

22 

Onward 

L.  R. 

24 

Never  hasting,  never  resting 

25 

Enoch 

C.  F.  Alexander    . 

27 

For  Ever 

29 

Buds  and  Blossoms             .  . 

L 

29 

The  Suppliant 

R.  C.  Trench 

30 

Strive,  Wait,  and  Pray      .  . 

.  .         .  .         A.  A.  Procter 

32 

Thou  maintainest  my  lot   .  . 

A.  L.  Warhig       . 

32 

Lord,  and  what  shall  this  man  do 

?          .  .          .  .          Christian  Year 

2>2> 

Suspiria 

Longfellow .  . 

35 

It  shall  he  returned  to  thee  again 

E.  B.  Bi'oioning  . 

35 

Mortality 

Poems,  by  the  Author  of '  John  Halifax 

36 

My  Times  are  in  Thy  hands 

A.  L.   Waring 

37 

Milton  on  his  Blindness     .  . 

E.  Lloyd     .  . 

39 

Trust             

Gerhardt     .  . 

41 

A  Valediction          

E.  B.  Pro-wning   . 

42 

Abide  with  me 

I/.  F.  Lyte.  . 

43 

To  a  Waterfowl 

Bryant        .  . 

45 

Omnipresence          

Bowring     .  . 

46 

The  Alpine  Gentian           .  . 

LLxcclsior     .  . 

47 

The  Golden  Rule    .  . 

V.  A.  Storrs 

48 

Strength,  Love,  and  Rest 

L.  R. 

50 

Speak  Gently 

5' 

Faith,  Hope,  and  Charily 

Montgomery 

52 

Judge  not 

-/.-•/.  Procter 

53 

viii                                                  CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Think  Gently  of  the  Erring 

54 

Life's  Lesson 

.  .         Excelsior     .  . 

55 

The  Streamlet's  Song 

L.  R. 

56 

Hymn  of  the  City 

Bryant 

58 

The  Brooklet           

.  .          Sir  R.  Grant 

59 

A  Morning  Prayer 

.  .          Lyra  Gernianica    . 

61 

Heavenward 

Ibid. 

62 

The  Second  Day     .  . 

Whytchcad  .  . 

64 

Resignation 

Steele 

66 

The  Bright  and  Morning  Star 

67 

The  Building  of  the  House 

C.  Maekay .  . 

68 

How  old  art  thou  ?              

70 

Thy  way,  not  mine 

.  .          Bonar          .  . 

71 

Commit  thy  way  to  God 

Paul  Gerhardt       . 

71 

He  doeth  all  things  well 

.  .         Anne  Bronte 

^3 

Love  to  God           

I.  A.  E.      .  . 

74 

Undertake  for  me                

76 

The  Promised  One 

.  .          Hankinson  .  . 

77 

Lord,  that  I  might  receive  my  sight         .  . 

.  .         Afilinan       .  . 

78 

Christmas-day          

.  .          Christian  Year 

79 

A  Christmas  Carol 

E.  H.  Sears 

8( 

Robins  and  their  Songs 

.  .         Excelsior     .  . 

83 

Make  Thy  face  to  shine  upon  Thy  servant 

.  .           Toplady       .  . 

85 

Cast  me  not  away  from  Thy  presence      .  . 

Ileher 

85 

Looking  rmto  Jesus 

.  .          Christian  Exam.    . 

86 

Let  us  pray 

R.  C.  Trench 

87 

Pray  without  ceasing 

.  .         Lord  Morpetli 

88 

Just  as  I  am 

Elliott 

89 

Nearer  Home 

.  .          Carey           .  . 

90 

A  Death-bed  Hymn 

91 

The  Sleep  of  Death            

.  .         Ileinans      .  . 

92 

Heaven 

92 

At  Home  in  Heaven 

.  .         JMontiioinery 

94 

She  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth 

Hinds 

96 

His  Servants  shall  serve  Him 

L.  R. 

96 

And  they  shall  see  His  face 

.  .         Staaiu         .  . 

98 

Who  shall  ascend  to  the  holy  place  ?       .  . 

.  .         Hankinson 

99 

The  City  of  our  God          

.  .         Newton        .  . 

100 

Bought  with  a  price            

.  .          Doddridge  .  . 

lOI 

He  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head           .  . 

J.  S.  Monsell 

102 

CONTEXTS. 


The  Rijjlitcous  Advocate  .  . 

As  many  as  touched  were  made  perfectly  wliole 

Create  in  me  a  clean  heart 

Renew  a  rij^ht  spirit  within  me 

Lovest  thou  Me  ?    .  . 

Hide  me  under  the  shadow  of  Tl 

The  House  of  God  .  . 

Paraphrase  on  Psalm  Ixxxiv. 

The  Exile's  Vision  .  . 

Sabbath  Morning    .  . 

Communion  with  God        .  . 

In  suffering  .  .  .  .  .  , 

Clear  shining  after  rain      .  . 

Songs  of  Praise 

The  Angel  of  Patience       .  . 

Incompleteness 

Nearer  to  Thee 

Tribulation  worketh  Patience        .  .  .  .     Voic 

Clinging  to  Thee     .  . 

Cast  down,  but  not  destroyed 

Thankfulness 

Contentment 

Midnight  Hymn 

Morning  Hymn 

Pray  without  ceasing  .  . 

Thy  face,  Lord,  will  I  seek 

When  heart  and  flesh  fail  .  . 

Joseph,  a  type  of  Christ     .  . 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest 

An  Advent  Hymn  .  . 

For  Christ's  sake    .  . 

Light  shining  out  of  darkness 

Love 

Cowper's  Grave 

The  Death  of  the  Sagamore 

The  Lord  is  mindful  of  His  own 

Forgiven 

Unto  us  a  Son  is  born        .  . 

Walk  in  the  light    .  . 

Adoration     .  . 


E.  Binrll  .  . 
L.  R. 

Wesley 

Lynch  .  . 

Montgomery 

I..  R. 

II.  F.  Lytc.  . 
Sunday  at  Home 
Lyra  Germanica 
C.   Wilkin  s 


Lyra  Germanica 
AIontgome7y 
M.  S.  M.    .  . 
A.  A.  I^rocter 
S.  F.  Adams 
of  Christian  Life  in  Sonj^ 

F.  F. 

A.  A.  Procter 
R.  C.  Trench 

Lyra  Germanica 

L.  R. 

Bonar         .  . 

Ilcmans       .  . 

C.  F.  Alexander 

C.  E. 

C.  F.  Alexander 

L.  R. 

Cowper        .  . 

L.  R. 

E.  B.  Brc^vnins: 


A.  A.  Procter 
Alontgomery 

Truman      .  . 


AGE 

103 
105 
106 
106 
108 
108 
109 
[II 
112 
[14 

115 
116 

17 
[i8 
[18 
[19 
120 

[21 


124 
[25 
126 
127 
129 
129 
'30 
32 
52 

'34 
55 
55 

136 

138 
141 
141 
142 
143 
143 


God  in  everything  .  . 

Freely  ye  have  received,  freely  give 

Redeemed    .  . 

Here  and  There      .  . 

A  Voice  from  Heaven 

God's  Acre  .  . 

The  Dream  .  . 

Bless  us  to-night     .  . 

Sleep 

A  Psalm  of  Life 

The  Hours  .  . 

Silence 

Open  Thou  our  eyes 

Discouraged  because  of  the  way 

When  I  am  weak,  then  am  I  strong 

Rock  of  Ages 

Faith  in  Christ 

Look  to  Jesus 

Jesus 

A  City  that  hath  Foundations 

Sabbath 

Quiet  from  God 

Beyond 

Living  Poems, 

For  ever  with  tlie  I^ord 

Morning 

Evening 


Moore 


Hymns  from  the  Land  of  Luther 


Longfelloiu .  . 
S.  S.   Treasury 

F.  Broderip 
Longfello^cV .  . 
C.  P.  C ranch 
T.   T.  Lynch 
L.  R. 


Toplady 

Franzen 
F.   W. 


A.  A.  Procter 
by  the  Author  of  '  John  Halifax 
Hymns  from  the  L^and  of  Luthe 

Christian  Year 

Ibid. 


144 

145 
146 

147 
148 
149 
150 
152 
153 
154 
155 
156 
157 
157 
159 
160 
160 
161 
161 
162 

163 
166 
168 
169 
171 
173 
175 


ARRANGED    AND     ENGRAVED    UNDER    THE    SUPERINTENDENCE    OF 
MR.    J.    D.    COOPER. 


SUBJKCT.  AKTIST. 

Frontispiece            .  .         .  .         .  .         .  .  .  .  S.  J.  Crispin 

Angel  from  the  Uffizi  Palace        .  .         .  .  .  .                     ,, 

Heading,  List  of  Illustrations        .  .         .  .  .  .  T.  Kennedy 

Finial           .  .         .  .         .  .         .  .         .  .  .  .                     ,, 

"  And  round  my  bier  ye  come  to  weep"  .  .  Wilfred  Lawson 

"Through  storm  to  light  and  guide  us  on  "  .  .  T.  Kennedy 
"  Flowers  from  their  stalks  divided"       ....                     ,, 

"  It  deepened  on  the  mountain"  .  .         .  .  .  .  E.  M.  Wimi'Eris 

"  The  lovely  star"  .  .         .  .         .  .         .  .  .  .                         ,, 

"The  iN-y  in  a  dungeon  grew"      .  .         .  .  .  .  T.  Kennedy 

"The  mating  birds  became  its  guests"    .  .  .  .                     ,, 

"The  light-enshrouded  sun"         .  .         .  .  .  .  K.  M.  \Vi.\irEKis 

"  Slowly  grows  the  forest  king"  .  .         .  .  .  .                         ,, 

Acorn  finial.  .         .  .         .  .         .  .         .  .  .  .  T.  Kennedy 

"Break  of  day" E.  M.  Wi.mperis 

"  Where  children  climb  the  parent's  knee"  .  .  R.  B.vrnes 

Buds  and  Blossoms            .  .         .  .         .  .  .  .  T.  Kennedy 

"  Beside  his  bed  his  sorrowing  angel  stood  "  .  .  Ch.\s.  Murr.vy 

"  When  the  shore  is  won  at  last"             .  .  .  .  W.  J.  Allen 


TU/e 


15 
18 

19 
20 


23 
24 
25 
26 

27 
28 
29 
31 
34 


LIST    OF   ILL  US  TR  ALIO  NS. 


SUBJECT. 

"  A  child-kiss" 

Finial — Dead  Leaves 

"  And  wipe  the  weeping  eyes"     .  . 

"  Briars  besetting  every  path"      .  . 

Milton  

"  From  angel  lips  I  seem  to  hear  the  flow  of  soft 

and  holy  song" 
Safely  to  harbour    .  . 
"Fast  falls  the  eventide"  .  . 
"  Hold  Thou  Thy  cross  before  my  closing  eyes 
The  wild  duck 

"  The  ice  mountains  vast"  .  . 

"  Speak  gently  to  the  little  child" 
"  The  rainbow  passes  with  the  storm" 
"  Go,  and  sin  no  more"    .  . 
"  Speak  gently  to  the  erring"       .  . 
"  Under  the  bowering  honeysuckle" 
"  A  little  brook  went  singing"      .  . 
"  The  heaving  ocean" 
"The  vast  and  helpless  city  while  it  sleeps" 

The  Brooklet  

"  In  my  parent  ocean's  breast  I  haste  away" 
"The  golden  morn  flames  up  the  eastern  sky" 
The  second  day 
The  Bright  and  Morning  Star 

The  Dial 

"In   thy  right   hand   to-morrow    thy    God    shall 

place  the  palms" 
Patience  in  affliction 
"  Thou  roU'st  the  orbs  of  light"  .  . 
"  And  much  have  been  forgiven" 
"  As  those  that  watch  for  the  day" 
"Wrapped  in  his  swaddling  bands" 
"  Angels  bending  near  the  earth" 
"  Robin  to  the  bare  bough  clinging" 


ARTIST. 
R.   B.^RNES 

T.  Kennedy 
R.  Barnes 
T.  Kennedy 
T.  D.  ScoiT 

S.  J.  Crispin 

E.   M.  WiMPERIS 

S.  J.  Crispin 
R.  Moore  .  . 
E.  M.  Wimperis 
R.  Barnes 
T.  Kennedy 
S.  J.  Crispin 
Wilfred  Lawson 
T.  Kennedy 
E.  M.  Wimperis 
T.  Kennedy 

E.  M.  Wimperis 


S.  J.  Crispin 
E.  M.  Wimperis 
T.  Kennedy 

S.  J.  Crispin 
A.  W.  Bayes 
T.  Kennedy 
S.  J.  Crispin 
R.  Barnes 
S.  J.  Crispin 

)> 
R.  Moore  .  . 


35 
36 
37 
3« 
39 

40 
41 
43 
44 
45 
47 
51 
52 
53 
54 
55 
56 
57 
58 
59 
60 
61 
64 
67 
70 

72 
73 
74 
75 
76 

79 
81 
8^^, 


LIST    OF    U.IASTRAIIOXS. 

xiii 

SIBJKCT. 

ARTIST. 

i'A(;ii 

"  Beam,  like   the   bow  of  promise,   tliioui;li   tin. 

cloud"  .  . 

K.    M.  WlMI'KRIS  . 

87 

"Go  when  the  moon  is  bright" 

Wilfred  Lawsun 

88 

"  Thou  bid'st  me  come  to  Thee"             .  . 

S.  J.  Crispin 

89 

Nearer  home 

)> 

90 

"  Fair  spirit,  rest  thee  now" 

W.  J.  Allkn 

92 

"  Like  Noah's  dove,  I  flit  between  rougli  seas  ant 

stormy  skies"  .  . 

S.  J.  Crispin 

94 

Finial 

?> 

95 

"  All  in  one  worship  bending"     .  . 

,> 

97 

"  And  wave  my  palm,  and  wear  my  crown" 

») 

98 

"  Have  served  the  Lord  as  their  Master  here"  . 

,, 

99 

Jerusalem 

E.   M.  WiMPERIS  . 

100 

"  The  wild  deer  hath  its  lair" 

R.  Moore.  . 

102 

"  He  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head"     .  . 

S.  J.  Crispin 

103 

"As    many    as    touched    were   made    perfectl} 

T 

whole" 

W.  J.  Allen 

105 

"  Shut  my  heart  up  like  a  flower"            .  . 

T.  Kennedy 

107 

Jacob's  dream 

\V.  J.  Allen 

109 

Finial            

T.  Kennedy 

no 

Patmos         

E.  M.  Wimperis  . 

112 

"  Deign  to  fill  this  temple  lowly"             .  . 

A.  W.  Bayes       . 

114 

"  Cometh  sunshine  after  rain" 

E.  M.  Wimperis  . 

117 

"Angels  to  beckon  me" 

S.  J.  Crispin 

120 

"  Nor  fear  to  cross  e'en  Jordan's  wave"  .  . 

,, 

122 

"  In  the  mid  silence  of  the  voiceless  night" 

,, 

125 

"  'Tis  morning" 

W.  Bkough 

126 

The  importunate  widow     .  . 

S.  J.  Crispin 

128 

"  Sold  by  them  that  should  have  loved  thee"     . 

W.  J.  Allen 

130 

"The  Gothic  window-frame" 

S.  J.  Crispin 

131 

"  The  dark  clouds  bring  the  pleasant  rain" 

E.  M.  Wimperis  . 

m 

"  And  dim  cathedral  aisle" 

A.  W^  Bayes 

134 

"  He  plants  His  footsteps  in  the  sea"     .  . 

E.  M.  Wimperis. 

135 

"  Like  a  sick  child  that  knoweth  not  his  mother' 

Wilfred  La\vson 

136 

"  The  servant  of  God  is  on  his  way"       .  . 

W.  J.  Allen 

.         138 

SI' EJECT. 

"  To  the  lonely  tent  where  the  chief  reclines"   . 

"  Like  a  weary  bird  to  her  downy  nest" 

"  Pour  out  thy  love  like  the  rush  of  a  river" 

God's  Acre .  . 

"  When  in  the  silvery  moonlight"  .  . 

"  The  hours  are  viewless  angels"  .  . 

"  The  silent  frost  with  mighty  hand"       .  . 

"  In  meditative  walk" 

' '  As    through    a   clouded    sky    the    moonbeams 

stray"    .  . 
"  'Ere  the  glorious  sun  be  born"  .  . 
"  The  last  faint  pulse  of  quivering  light" 
"Watch  by  the  sick" 


All  the  Floral  Initials  are  designed  by  T.  Kennedy. 


AKTIST. 

W.  J.  Allen 
R.  Moore.  . 

E.   M.  WiMPERlS 

R.  P.  Leitch 
S.  J.  Crispin 

E.   M.  WiMPERIS 

A.  W.  Bayes 

E.   M.  WiMPERIS 

R.  P.  Lfitch 
A.  W.  Bayes 


139 
140 
146 
149 
153 
155 
156 
163 

171 
173 

175 
176 


What  would  we  give  to  our  beloved  ? 
The  hero's  heart,  to  be  unmoved, 
The  poet's  star-tuned  harp,  to  sweep, 
The  patriot's  voice,  to  teach  and  rouse. 
The  monarch's  crown,  to  light  the  brows  ? 
He  giveth  His  beloved,  sleep. 

What  do  we  give  to  our  beloved  ? 

A  little  faith  all  undisproved, 

A  little  dust  to  overweep. 

And  bitter  memories,  to  make 

The  whole  earth  blasted  for  our  sake  : 

He  giveth  His  beloved,  sleep. 

"  Sleep  soft,  beloved,"  we  sometimes  say, 

But  have  no,  tune  to  charm  away 

Sad  dreams  that  through  the  eyelids  creep 

But  never  doleful  dream  again 

Shall  break  the  heavy  slumber  when 

He  giveth  His  beloved,  sleep. 

O  earth,  so  full  of  dreary  noises  ! 
O  men,  with  wailing  in  your  voices  I 
O  delved  gold,  the  wallers  heap  ! 

0  strife,  O  curse,  that  o'er  it  fall  I 
God  strikes  a  silence  through  you  all. 
And  giveth  His  beloved,  sleep. 

His  dews  drop  mutely  on  the  hill. 

His  cloud  above  it  saileth  still. 

Though  on  its  slope  men  sow  and  reap  : 

More  softly  than  the  dew  is  shed. 

Or  cloud  is  floated  overhead. 

He  giveth  His  beloved,  sleep. 

Ay,  men  may  wonder  while  they  scan 
A  living,  thinking,  feeling  man 
Confirmed  in  such  a  rest  to  keep  ; 
But  angels  say,  and  through  the  word, 

1  think  their  happy  smile  is  heard — 
"  He  giveth  His  beloved,  sleep." 


CJ/K/S  /J.l.y    L  VRICS. 


'7 


For  nic,   my   lieari   that   (.rst  did  t;o 
Most  like  a  tired  child  at  a  show, 
That  sees  through  tears  the  mummers  leap, 
Would  now  its  wearied  vision  close, 
Would  childlike  on  His  love  repose 
Who  giveth  His  belovC;d,  sleep. 

And  friends,  dear  friends,  when  it  shall  he 
That  this  low  breath  is  gone  from  me, 
And  round  my  bier  ye  come  to  weep, 
Let  one,  most  loving  of  you  all, 
Say  "  Not  a  tear  o'er  her  must  fall  I 
'He  giveth   His  beloved,  sleep.'" 


f  l]i  |taa  of  %^. 


E  ask  for  peace,   O  Lord  ! 

Thy  children  ask  Thy  peace  ; 
Not  what  the  world  calls  rest, 

That  care  and  toil  should  cease, 
That  through  bright   sunny  hours 

Calm  life  should  fleet  away, 
And  tranquil  night  should  end 

In  smiling  day  ;  — 
It  is  not  for  such  peace  that  we  should   pray. 

We  ask  for  peace,  ()   Lord  I 

Yet  not  to  stand  secure, 
Ciirt  round  with  iron  pride, 

Contented  to  endure  : 
Crushing  the  gentle  strings 

That  human  hearts  should  know, 
Untouched  by  others'  joy 

Or  others'  woe; — 
Thou,  O  dear  Lord,  wilt  never  teach  us  so. 


We  ask  Thy  peace,  O   Lord  I 

Through  storm,  and  fear,  and  strife, 
To  Hght  and  guide  us  on. 

Through  a  long  strugghng  hfe  : 
While  no  success  or  gain 

Shall  cheer  the  desperate  fight, 
(^r  nerve,  what   the  world  calls, 

Our  wasted  might  : — 
Yet  passing  through  the  darkness  to  the  liglit. 

It  is  Thine  own,  O   Lord, 

Who  toil  while  others  sleep  ; 
Who  sow  with  loving  care 

What  other  hands  shall  reap  : 
They  lean  on  Thee  entranced, 

In  calm  and  perfect  rest  ; 
Give  us  that  peace,  O   Lord, 

Divine  and  blest, 
Thou  keepest  for  those  hearts  who  love  Thee  best. 


C//A'/S/7.l  \    I.  VRICS. 


19 


|)r;incr. 

IIICN  prayer  delights  thee  least,  then  learn  to  say, 
Soul,  now  is  greatest  need  that  thou  should'st  pray. 

Crooked  and  \var|)cd  1  am,  and  I  would  fain 
Straighten  myself  by  tliy  riglil  line  again. 

(^h  come,  warm  sun,  and  ripen  my  late  fruits  ; 
Pierce,  genial  showers,  down  to  my  parched  roots. 

My  well  is  bitter  ;  cast  tiicrcin  tlie  tree. 

That  sweet  hencefortli  its  brackish  waxes  may  ])e. 

Say  what  is  prayer,  when  it  is  prayer  indeed.' 
The  miglity  utterance  of  a  miglity  need. 

The  man  is  prajing,  who  doth  press  with  might 
Out  of  his  darkness  into  God's  own  light. 

White  heat  the  iron  in  the  furnace  won, 
Witlidrawn  from  thence,  'twas  cold  and  hard  anon. 

Flowers  from  their  stalks  divided,  presently 
Droop,  fail,  and  wither  in  the  gazer's  eye. 

The  greenest  leaf  divided  from  its  stem, 
To  speedy  withering  doth  itself  condemn. 

The  largest  river  from  its  fountain  head 

Cut  off,  leaves  soon  a  parched  and  dusty  Ix-d. 

All  things  tliat  li\e  from  (iod  their  sustenance  wait. 
And  sun  and  moon  arc  beggars  at  His  gate. 

All  skirts  extended  of  thy  mantle  hold. 

When  angel  hands  from  heaven  are  scattering  gold. 


^1)C  (ilou^. 


LITTLE  cloud  was  fashioned 

In  a  summer  hour, 
By  the  love  impassioned 
Of  the  sun  and  shower. 
All  day  it  basked  in  sunlight, 
On  the  heaven's  warm  blue, 
Round  lilies  through  the  dun  night, 
It  hung  in  dew. 

Once  when  dawn  was  leading 

In  the  hot  young  day, 
This  little  cloud,  speeding 

Through  the  ether  gray. 
Seemed  to  float  and  sail 

On  the  bright  sky's  bosom. 
Like  a  dew-drop  pale 

On  a  blue-bell  blossom. 

So  close  under  heaven 

Did  it  glide  and  fleet, 
That  I  thought  it  riven 

By  some  angel's  feet. 
When  the  breezes  parted 

Its  veiling  screen, 
And  blue  glimpses  darted 

Into  sight  between. 


As  I  gazed  came  breathings 

On  a  zephyr's  wings. 
As  of  wild-wind  wreathings 
Round  yEolian  strings  ; 
'Twas  a  lark  far  hidden 

In  the  little  cloud, 
"  Singing  songs  unbidden," 

Full,  and  free,  and  loud. 

Oh,  it  came  down-streaming 

The  clear  air  along. 
Like  rills  roused  from  dreaming. 

Like  a  shower  of  song. 
It  made  me  glad  and  bright. 

Brighter  every  minute, 
Till  I  blest  the  cloudlet  white, 

And  the  spirit  in  it. 

Then  the  sun's  noon-splendour 

Filled  the  cloud  with  light. 
Though  a  soft  and  tender 

Yet  intensest  white  ; 
And  the  wanderer  weary 

Joyed  that  it  was  made, 
For  it  gave  to  him  a  cheery 

And  a  grateful  shade. 


CI/R/S7I.I  X    I.  V  RlLS. 


Did  the  semblance  of  a  sliadow 

On  the  wide  sky  pass  ? 
It  dusked  the  quiet  meadow, 

And  the  gHsteninjj  ^ijrass  ; 
It  dimmed  the  forest  fountain, 

And  the  clover  lea  ; 
It  deepened  on  the  mountain, 

Darkened  on  the  sea. 

Still  thouL;h  earth  w.is  shaded, 

And  a  gloom  was  there, 
Never  dulled  or  faded 

Was  the  cloudlet  fair  ; 
For  it  ever  sailed 

Up  so  close  to  heaven, 
That  nothing  could  have  failed 

Of  tlie  beauty  given. 

Now  a  lustre  glowing 

In  the  silent  west. 
From  the  sun  was  flowing 

As  he  turned  to  rest  ; 
And  the  cloud  borne  sunward. 

Ever  nearer,  nigher, 
Ever  floated  onward 
Towards  the  sunset  fire  ; 

All  its  being  belted 

With  a  glory  bright, 
While  into  heaven  it  melted 

In  a  dream  of  light. 
Ne\er  more  glance  crossed  it 

1  n  the  sky-heart  far. 
But  where  I  had  lost  it 

Shone  the  evening  star. 


Like  the  clouil,  keep  union 

With  the  pure  and  high, 
He  thy  communion 

Beyond  the  sky  ; 
So  all  love  and  graces, 

And  a  light  divine. 
Shall  have  pleasant  places 

In  that  heart  of  thine. 

And  from  thee  will  shower, 

Upon  all  around, 
A  most  precious  dower. 

Like,  the  shade  and  sound. 
Like  the  music  blessing 

Of  lark's  ziralcet. 
Like  the  shadow's  refreshing 

In  the  summer  heat. 

If  trouble  and  sadness 

Be  around,  above, 
Thou  wilt  drink  deep  gladness 

From  thy  heaven  of  love  ; 
As  when  earth  was  covered 

With  a  twilight  shroud. 
Richer  radiance  hovered 

Round  the  little  cloud. 

And  when  life  is  ending. 

Oh,  how  dear  to  die, 
Like  the  cloudlet,  blending 

With  the  glorious  sky  ! 
And  when  unbeholden 

As  its  beauties  are. 
To  have  memories,  golden 

As  the  lovely  star  I 


C HRISl 7 AN   /.  ] Vv' / C" S. 


®|e  1% 


HE  ivy  in  a  dungeon  grew, 

Unfed  by  rain,  uncheered  by  dew  ; 

Its  pallid  leaflets  only  drank 

Cave  moistures  foul  and  odours  dank. 

But  through  the  dungeon  grating  high, 
There  fell  a  sunbeam  from  the  sky  : 
It  slept  upon  the  grateful  floor 
In  silent  gladness  evermore. 

The  ivy  felt  a  tremor  shoot 
Through  all  its  fibres  to  the  root  ; 
It  felt  the  light,  it  saw  the  ray. 
It  strove  to  issue  into  day. 

It  grew,  it  crept,  it  pushed,  it  clomb. 
Long  had  the  darkness  been  its  home  ; 
But  well  it  knew,  though  veiled  in  night. 
The  goodness  and  the  joy  of  light. 

Its  clinging  roots  grew  deep  and  strong  ; 
Its  stem  expanded  firm  and  long  ; 
And  in  the  currents  of  the  air 
Its  tender  branches  flourished  fair. 

It  reached  the  beam — it  thrilled,  it  curled, 
It  blessed  the  warmth  that  cheers  the  world 
It  rose  towards  the  dungeon  bars — 
It  looked  upon  the  sun  and  stars. 

It  felt  the  life  of  bursting  spring. 

It  heard  the  happy  skylark  sing  ; 

It  caught  the  breath  of  morns  and  eves. 

And  woo'd  the  swallow  to  its  leaves. 


c/fRisri.ix  I.  viacs. 


23 


By  rains,  and  tlews,  and   sunshine  ted. 
Over  the  outer  wall  it  spread; 
.\nd  in  the  day-beam  waving  free, 
It  grew  into  a  stedtast  tree. 

Upon  that  solitary  place 
Its  verdure  threw  adorning  grace, 
The  mating  birds  became  its  guests, 
And  sang  its  praises  from  their  nests. 

Would'st  know  the  moral  of  this  rliynie? 
Behold  the  heavenly  light  and  climb  1 
Look  up,  O  tenant  of  the  cell, 
Where  man,  the  prisoner,  must  dwell. 

In  every  dungeon  comes  a  ray 
Of  God's  interminable  day, 
On  every  heart  a  sunbeam  falls, 
To  cheer  its  lonely  prison  walls. 

The  ray  is  Truth.     O  soul,  aspire 
To  bask  in  its  celestial  fire  ; 
So  shalt  thou  quit  the  glooms  of  clay, 
So  shalt  thou  flourish  into  day. 

So  shalt  thou  reach   the  dungeon  grate. 
No  longer  dark  and  desolate ; 
And  look  around  thee,  and  above, 
Upon  a  world   of  light  and  love. 


-A.  -  ;.         -„ 


24 


CHRIS  riA  X  L  )  'RICS. 


(Ontoitr^. 


N  WARD  !  the  goal  thou  seekest 
Is  worthy  the  quest  of  a  Hfe, 
And  love  can  give  to  the  weakest 
Courage  and  strength  for  the  strife. 

High  is  the  prize  above  thee, 
In  the  light  of  that  golden  sky  ; 
The  ladder  's   not  all  of  sunshine, 
Whereon  thou  must  climb  so  high. 

Earth's  shadows  and  griefs  have  darkened. 
Earth's  sorrows  have  shaded  its  light, 
But  rays  from  the  sunshine  of  heaven 
Each  upward  step  make  bright. 

Sometimes  the  glory  paleth. 
And  its  brightness  disappears  ; 
'Tis  only  thine  eye  that  faileth, 
Or  is  dimmed  by  earthborn  tears. 

Onward  I    our  cry  for  ever, 
Till  our  glorious  goal  be  won, 
Mid  the  brightness  fading  never 
Of  the  light-enshrouded  sun. 


"I^lcbcr  Ijasting,  ucbtr  rcstiug.' 

EVER  hasting,  never  resting, 

With  a  firm  and  joyous  heart. 
Ever  onward  slowly  tending. 

Acting,  aye,  a  brave  man's  part. 

With  a  high  and  holy  purpose, 
Doing  all  thoii  hast  to  do  ; 

Seeking  ever  man's  upraising, 
With  the  highest  end  in  view. 

Undepressed  by  seeming  failure, 

Unelated  by  success  ; 
Heights  attained,  revealing  higher, 

Onward,  upward,  e\er  press. 

Slowly  moves  the  march  of  ages. 
Slowly  grows  the  forest  king. 

Slowly  to  perfection  cometh 

Every  great  and  glorious  thing. 


Broadest  streams  from  narrowest  sources, 
Noblest  trees  from  meanest  seeds, 

Mighty  ends  from  small  beginnings, 
From  lowly  promise,  lofty  deeds. 

Acorns  which  the  winds  have  scattered, 

Future  navies  may  provide  ; 
Thoughts  at  midnight  whispered  lowly. 

Prove  a  people's  future  guide. 

Such  the  law  enforced  by  nature 
Since  the  earth  her  course  began  ; 

Such  to  thee  she  teacheth  daily, 
Eager,  ardent,  restless  man. 

"  Never  hasting,  never  resting," 
Glad  in  peace,  and  calm  in  strife  : 

Quietly  thyself  preparing 
To  perform  thy  part  in  life. 

Earnest,  hopeful,  and  unswerving. 
Weary  though  thou  art,  and  faint, 

Ne'er  despair,  there's  One  above  thee. 
Listing  ever  to  thy  plaint. 

Stumbleth  he  who  runneth  fast, 

Dieth  he  who  standeth  still  ; 
Not  by  haste  nor  rest  can  ever 

Man  his  destiny  fulfil. 

"  Never  hasting,  never  resting," 

Legend  fine,  and  quaint,  and  olden, 

In  our  thinking,  in  our  acting. 
Should  be  writ  in  letters  golden. 


d-notl). 


VST  thou  not  seen  at  break  of  day, 
One  only  star  the  east  adorning, 
That  never  set  or  paled  its  ray, 
But  seemed  to  sink  at  once  away 
Into  the  light  of  morning? 

From  it  the  sage  no  portent  drew. 
It  came  to  light  no  meteor  fires, 
But  silver  shone  the  whole  night  through, 
On  hawthorn  hedges  steeped  in  dew. 
And  quiet  village  spires. 

:^  Like  him  of  old  who  dwelt  beneath 
The  tents  of  patriarchal  story. 
Who  passed  without  the  touch  of  death. 
Without  dim  eye  or  failing  breath, 
At  once  into  God's  glory — 

The  Patriarch  of  one  simple  spot. 

The  sire  of  sons  and  daughters  lowly, 
And  this  the  record  of  his  lot, 
'"He  walked  with  God  and  he  was  not," 
For  the  Lord  took  him  wholiv. 


Like  a  child's  voice  in  sacred  song 

That  trembhng  rises  higher  and  higher. 
Till,  lost  at  last,  it  peals  along, 
Swelling  the  anthem  sweet  and  strong 
Of  great  cathedral  choir  : — 

So  year  by  year,  and  day  by  day, 

In  pastoral  care  and  household  duty — 

He  walked  with  God — nor  knew  decay, 

But  faded  gently,  rapt  away. 
Into  His  glorious  beauty. 

There's  many  a  household  fair  to  see. 
By  woodland  nook  or  running  river, 
Where  children  climb  the  parent's  knee — 
Oh,  that  those  homes  like  his  might  be. 
Filled  with  God's  presence  ever  ! 

Oh,  that  our  thoughts  so  heavenly  were. 

Our  hearts  to  Christ  so  fully  given. 
That  all  our  loves,  and  toils,  and  care, 
Might  only  lead  us  nearer  there, 
Where  He  is  set  in  heaven. 


Sls.^'^«I^^ViA>. 


V- 


CJlRfST/.l  X   L  VRICS. 


29 


/or  cL-bcr. 

HEY  came,  they  went  ;  of  pleasures  passed  away. 
How  often  this  is  all  that  we  can  say  ; 
They  came,  like  dew-drops  in  the  morning  lioiir. 
They  went,  like  dew-drops  "neath  the  noontide's  power 
Came  like  the  cistiis  with  its  purple  eye. 
Went  like  the  cistus,  blooming  but  to  die  ; 
Unheeded  in  their  flight  tliey  glided  past. 
We  sighed  not,  for  we  knew  not  'twas  the  last  I 

There'  s  no  last  time  in  heaven  !  the  angels  pour 
A  still  new  song,  though  chanted  evermore, 
There's  no  night  following  on  their  daylight  hours, 
No  fading  time  for  amaranthine  flowers  ; 
No  change,  no  death,  no  harp  that  lies  unstrung, 
No  vacant  place  those  hallowed  hills  among  I 


^.ui)s  aub  glossoms. 

OUGHT  see  we  here  as  yet  in  full  perfection. 

Nought  reaching  yet  unto  its  true  ideal  ; 
Lost  to  our  careless  sight  is  that  connection 
Which  knitted  once  the  perfect  to  the  real. 

Each  form  of  loveliness,  each  fair  creation 
Hath  yet  a  type  more  true  and  brighter  far. 

And  we  must  trace  in  all  the  dim  relation. 

And  what  they  might  be,  learn  from  what  they  are. 


Thus  every  character,  vvhate'er  its  sweetness, 
Is  but  a  fruit  all  blighted  and  unripe. 

Still  ever  striving  towards  its  own  completeness 
Still  ever  yearning  towards  its  highest  type. 

And  only  as  we  know  and  love  them  duly, 
As  buds  and  promise  of  a  fairer  growth. 

Shall  we  learn  how  to  weigh  and  prize  them  truly. 
And  trace  the  true  unto  the  highest  truth. 

Though  lost  and  fallen  is  our  perfect  being. 
Its  beauty  'mid  its  ruins  we  may  see. 

And  strive  we  still,  the  far  completeness  seeing. 
To  reach  once  more  the  highest  we  can  be. 

And  strive  we,  following  in  our  love  and  duty 
Him  who  doth  noblest,  truest,  purest  shine. 

Who  raised  our  human  to  its  highest  beauty, 
By  blending  with  it  His  own  bright  divine. 


%hj  Suppliant. 

LL  night  the  lonely  suppliant  prayed. 
All  night  his  earnest  crying  made, 
Till  standing  by  his  side  at  morn, 
The  tempter  said,  in  bitter  scorn, 
"  O  peace  :  what  profit  do  you  gain, 
From  empty  words  and  babblings  vain  ? 
'  Come,  Lord — O  come  ! '  you  cry  alway. 
You  pour  your  heart  out  night  and  day  ; 
Yet  still  no  murmur  of  reply — 
No  voice  that  answers,  'Here  am  1.'" 

Then  sank  that  stricken  heart  in  dust. 

That  word  had  withered  all  its  trust  ; 

No  strength  retained  it  now  to  pray, 

While  faith  and  hope  had  fled  away  ; 

And  ill  that  mourner  now  had  fared, 

Thus  by  the  tempter's  art  ensnared. 


CJ/K/S  J7.1  \    /.  ]R/CS. 


V 


IJiit  that  at  length  beside  his  bed 
His  sorrowing  angel  stood,  and  said  — 
"  Doth  it  repent  thee  of  thy  love, 
That  never  now  is  heard  above 
Thy  prayer  ;    that  never  any  more 
It  knocks  at  heaven's  gate  as  before?" 

"  1  am  cast  out — I    Imd  no  place, 
No  hearing  at  the  throne  of  grace ; 
'Come,  Lord — O  come!'  I  cry  alway, 
I  pour  my  heart  out  night  and  day. 
Yet  never  until  now  have  won 
The  answer — '  Here  am    1,  my  son.'" 

"Oh,  dull  of  heart — enclosed  doth  lie 
In  each  '  Come,  Lord  ! '  a  '  Here  am  I, ' 
Thy  love,  thy  longing,  are  not  thine — 
Reflections  of  a  love  divine  ! 
Thy  very  prayer  to  thee  was  given. 
Itself  a  messenger  from  heaven." 


32 


CHRIS  TIA  X  L  YRICS. 


Strik,  Mail,  anlj  |nm. 

TRIVE  ;    yet   I   do  not  promise 

The  prize  you  dream  of  to-day 
Will  not  fade  when  you  think  to  grasp  it, 
And  melt  in  your  hand  away  ; 
But  another  and  holier  treasure, 

You  would  not  perchance  disdain, 
Will  come  when  your  toil  is  over. 
And  pay  you  for  all  your  pain. 

Wait  ;    yet  I  do  not  tell  you 

The  hour  you  long  for  now, 
Will  not  come  with  its  radiance  vanished. 

And  a  shadow  upon  its  brow  ; 
Yet,  far  through  the  misty  future, 

With  a  crown  of  starry  light. 
An  hour  of  joy  you  know  not, 

Is  winging  her  silent  flight. 

Pray  ;    though  the  gift  you  ask  for 

May  never  comfort  your  fears, 
May  never  repay  your  pleading. 

Yet  pray,  and  with  hopeful  tears  ; 
An  answer,  not  that  you  long  for. 

But  diviner,  will  come  one  day  ; 
Your  eyes  are  too  dim  to  see  it. 

Yet  strive,  and  wait,  and  pray. 


%\)U  luaintaincst  mir  lot." 


OURCE  of  my  life's  refreshing  springs, 
Whose  presence  in  my  heart  sustains  me, 

Thy  love  appoints  me  pleasant  things, 
Thy  mercy  orders  all  that  pains  me. 


If  loving  hearts  were  never  lonely, 
If  all  they  wished  might  always  be, 

Accepting  what  they  look  for  only. 

They  might  be  glad, — but  not  in  Thee. 


C/IK/S  /J.l  X    L  VRICS. 


33 


\\  (.11  may  'lliy  own  bcloxcd,  who  sec 
In  all  their  lot  their  Father's  pleasure, 

Bear  loss  of  all  they  love  save  Thee, 
Their  livin;^,  everlasting  treasure. 

Well  may  Thy  happy  children  cease 
From  re.stlcss  wishes,  prone  to  sin, 

And,  in  Thine  own  exceeding  peace. 
Yield  to  Thy  daily  discipline. 

We  need  as  much  the  cross  we  bear. 
As  air  we  breathe,  as  light  we  see ! 

It  draws  us  to  Thy  side  in  prayer, 
It  binds  us  to  our  strength  in  Thee. 


**  %s^x\,  anly  iu(]at  sljall  IMs  man  bo  /" 

ORU,  and  what  shall  this  man  do? 

Ask'st  thou,  Christian,  for  thy  friend . 
If  his  love  for  Christ  be  true, 

Christ  hath  told  thee  of  his  end  : 
This  is  he  whom  God  approves. 
This  is  he  whom  Jesus  loves. 

Ask  not  of  him  more  than  this. 
Leave  it  in  his  Saviour's  breast, 

Whether  early  called  to  bliss. 
He  in  youth  shall  find  his  rest, 

Or  arm^d  in  his  station  wait 

Till  his  Lord  be  at  the  gate  : 

Whether  in  his  lonely  course 

(Lonely,  not  forlorn)  he  stay, 
Or  with  Love's  supporting  force 

Cheat  the  toil  and  cheer  the  way  : 
Leave  it  all  in  His  high  hand, 
Who  doth  hearts  as  streams  command. 


Gales  from  heaven,   if  so  He  will, 
Sweeter  melodies  can  wake 

On  the  lonely  mountain  rill, 

Than  the  meeting  waters  make. 

Who  hath  the  Father  and  the  Son, 

May  be  left,  but  not  alone. 

Sick  or  healthful,  slave  or  free, 
Wealthy,  or  despised  and  poor — 

What  is  that  to  him  or  thee. 
So  his  love  to  Christ  endure  ? 

When  the  shore  is  won  at  last. 

Who  will  count  the  billows  past  ? 

Only,  since  our  souls  will  shrink 
At  the  touch  of  natural  grief, 

When  our  earthly  loved  ones  sink, 
Lend  us.  Lord,  Thy  sure  relief ; 

Patient  hearts  their  pain  to  see. 

And  Thv  eracc  to  follow  Thee. 


C//K/S  I/.l  \    I.  VRICS. 


35 


AKE  tliom,  O  death  I    and  bear  away 
Whatever  thou  canst  call  thine  own  I 
'^  Thine  image,  stampt  upon  this  clay, 
Doth  give  thee  that,  but  that  alone  I 

Take  them,  O  grave  I    and  let  them  lie 
Folded  upon  thy  narrow  shelves, 

Ab  garments  by  the  soul  laid  by, 
And  precious  only  to  ourselves  I 

Take  them,  O  great  Eternity  I 
Our  little  life  is  but  a  gust, 

That  bends  the  branches  of  thy  tree. 
And  trails  its  blossoms  in  the  dust  ; 


"  M  ,sl);ill  l)c  rclurnci)  to  tlicc  again." 

Thy  io\e 
Shall  chant  itself  its  own  beatitudes. 
After  its  own  life  working.     A  child-kiss, 
Set  on  thy  sighing  lips,  shall  make  thee  glad  ; 
A  poor  man,  served  by  thee,  shall  make  thee  rich  ; 
A  sick  man,  helped  by  thee,  shall  make  thee  strong 
Thou  shalt  be  served  thyself  by  every  sense 
Of  service  which  thou  renderest. 


J 


"  And  -Mc  shall  be  changed.'' 

E  dainty  mosses,  lichens  grey, 

Pressed  each  to  each  in  tender  fold, 

And  peacefully  thus  day  by  day, 
Returning  to  your  mould  ; — 

Brown  leaves  that  with  aerial  grace 

Slip  from  your  branch  like  birds  a-wing, 

Each  leaving  in  the  appointed  place 
Its  bud  of  future  spring  ; — 

If  we,  God's  conscious  creatures,  knew 
But  half  your  faith  in  our  decay. 

We  should  not  tremble  as  we  do 
When  summoned  clay  to  clay. 

But  with  an  equal  patience  sweet. 
We  should  put  off  this  mortal  gear. 

In  whatsoe'er  new  form  is  meet, 
Content  to  re-appear. 

Knowing  each  germ  of  life  He  gives 
Must  have  in  Him  its  source  and  rise. 

Being  that  of  His  being  lives 
May  change,  but  never  dies. 

Ye  dead  leaves,  dropping  soft  and  slow, 
Ye  mosses  green  and  lichens  fair, 

(io  to  your  graves  as   I   will  go, 
For  God  is  also  there. 


''Pn^ii^^fs  arnit  flm  \mh," 

^/ ATHER,  I  know  that  all  my  life, 
L^S      Is  portioned  out  for  mc, 
p      And  the  changes  that  arc  sure  to  come 
'^  I  do  not  fear  to  sec  ; 

But   I   ask  Thee  for  a  patient  mind, 
Intent  on  pleasing  Thee. 

I   ask  Thee  for  a  thoughtful  love, 
Through  constant  watching  wise, 

To  meet  the  glad  with  joyful  smiles, 
And  wipe  the  weeping  eyes  ; 

And  a  heart  at  leisure  from  itself. 
To  soothe  and  sympathize. 

I   would  not  have  the  restless  will 

That  hurries  to  and  fro. 
Seeking  for  some  great  thing  to  do, 

Or  secret  thing  to  know  ; 
I  would  be  treated  as  a  child. 

And  iriiided  where   I   <ro. 


Wherever  in  the  world  I  am, 

!n  whatso'er  estate, 
I   have  a  fellowship  with  hearts, 

To  keep  and  cultivate  ; 
And  a  work  of  lowly  love  to  do 

For  the  Lord  on  whom  1  wait. 

So  1  ask  Thee  for  the  daily  strength. 

To  none  that  ask  denied, 
And  a  mind  to  blend  with  outward  life. 

While  keeping  at  Thy  side  ! 
Content  to  fill  a  little  space, 

If  Thou  be  glorified. 

And  if  some  things   I  do  not  ask, 

In  my  cup  of  blessing  be, 
I   would  have  my  spirit  filled  the  more 

With  grateful  love  to  Thee — 
More  careful— than  to  serve  Thee  iniiclt 

To  please  Thee  perfectly. 

There  are  briars  besetting  every  path. 

That  call  for  patient  care  ; 
There  is  a  cross  in  every  lot, 

And  an  earnest  need  for  prayer  ; 
But  the  lowly  heart  that  leans  on  Thee, 

Is  happy  anywhere. 

In  a  service  which  Thy  will  appoints. 

There  are  no  bonds  for  me  ; 
For  my  inmost  heart  is  taught  '"the  truth, 

That  makes  Thy  children  "  free," 
And  a  life  of  self-renouncing  love 

Is  a  life  of  libcrtv. 


pitoii  oil  Ms  glinlmcss. 

AM  old  and  blind  ; 

Men  point  at  me  as  smitten  by  God's  fr^nvn. 
Afflicted  and  deserted  by  mankind  ; 

Yet  I  am  not  cast  down. 

I  am  weak,  yet  strong  ; 

I   murmur  not  that   1   no  longer  see- 
Poor,  old,  and  helpless,  I  the  more  belong, 

Father,  supreme  !    to  Thee. 

0  merciful  One  ! 

When  men  arc  farthest,  then  Thou  art  most  near 
When  friends  pass  by,  my  weakness  shun. 
Thy  chariot   I  hear. 

Thy  glorious  face 

Is  leaning  towards  me,  and  its  holy  light 
Shines  in  upon  my  lonely  dwelling-place, 

And  there  is  no  more  night. 

On  my  bended  knee, 

I  recognize  Thy  purpose  clearly  shown  ; 
My  vision  Thou  hast  dimmed  that   1   may  sec 

Thyself— Thyself  alone. 

1  have  nought  to  fear  ; 

This  darkness  is  but  the  shadow  of  Thy  wmg  : 
Beneath  it  I  am  almost  sacred,  here 
Can  come  no  evil  thing. 


Oh  !    I  seem  to  stand, 

Trembling  where  foot  of  mortal  ne'er  hath  been, 
Wrapped  in  the  radiance  of  Thy  sinless  land, 

Which  eye  hath  never  seen. 

Visions  come  and  go  ; 

Shapes  of  resplendent  beauty  round  me  throng  ; 
From  angel  lips  I  seem  to  hear  the  flow 

Of  soft  and  holy  song. 

It  is  nothing  now, 

When  heaven  is  opening  on  my  sightless  eyes, 
When  airs  from  paradise  refresh  the  brow. 

That  earth  in  darkness  lies. 

In  a  pure  clime 

My  being  fills  with  rapture— waves  of  thought    ■ 
Roll  in  upon  my  spirit — strains  sublime 

Break  over  me  unsought. 

Give  me  now  my  lyre  I 

I  feel  the  stirrings  of  a  gift  divine  ; 
Within  my  bosom  glows  unearthly  fire, 

Lit  by  no  skill  of  mine. 


OMMIT  thou  all  thy  griefs 

And  ways  into  His  hands, 
To  His  sure  truth  and  tender  care, 

Who  earth  and  heaven  commands. 

Who  points  the  clouds  their  course. 
Whom  winds  and  seas  obey  : 
He  shall  direct  thy  wandering  feet, 
He  shall  prepare  thy  way. 

Put  thou  thy  trust  in  God, 
In  duty's  path  go  on  ; 
Fix  on  His  word  thy  steadfast  eye, 
So  shall  thy  work  be  done. 

Xo  profit  canst  thou  gain 
By  self-consuming  care  ; 
To  Him  commend  thy  cause,  His  ear 
Attends  the  softest  prayer. 

Give  to  the  winds  Thy  fears  ; 
Hope  and  be  undismayed  ; 
God  hears  thy  sighs  and  counts  thy  tears 
God  shall  lift  up  thy  head. 

Through  waves,  and  clouds,  and  storms, 
He  gently  clears  thy  way  : 
Wait  thou   His  time— thy  darkest  night 
Shall  end  in  brightest  day. 


^  i)a(c^ic(ion. 


c-' 


OD  be  with  thee,  my  beloved,  God  be  with  thee  ! 

Else  alone  thou  goest  forth, 

Thy  face  unto  the  north — 
Moor  and  pleasance,  all  around  thee  and  beneath  thee 

Looking  equal  in  one  snow  ! 

While  I,  who  try  to  reach  thee, 

Vainly  follow,  vainly  follow. 

With  the  farewell  and  the  hollo, 

And  cannot  reach  Thee  so. 

Alas  !     I  can  but  teach  thee — 
God  be  with  thee,  my  beloved, — God  be  with  thee  ! 


Can  I  teach  thee,  my  beloved, — can  I  teach  thee? 
If  I   said  go  left  or  right, 

The  counsel  would  be  light, — 
The  wisdom  poor  of  all  that  could  enrich  thee, 

My  right  would  show  like  left  ; 

My  raising  would  depress  thee, — - 

My  choice  of  light  would  blind  thee, — 

Of  way  would  lead  behind  thee, — 

Of  end  would  leave  bereft. 

Alas  !    I  can  but  bless  thee — 
May  God  teach  thee,  my  beloved, — may  God  teach  thee  ! 


Can  1  bless  thee,  my  beloved,  can  I  bless  thee  ? 

What  blessing  word  can  I 

From  my  own  tears  keep  dry  ? 
What  flowers  grow  in  my  field  wherewith  to  dress  thee  ? 

My  good  reverts  to  ill ; 

My  calmnesses  would  move  thee, — 

My  softnesses  would  prick  thee — 

My  bindings  up  would  break  thee — 

My  crownings  curse  and  kill. 

Alas  !  I  can  but  love  Thee  — 
May  God  bless  thee,  my  beloved,— may  God  bless  thee  ! 


CJIR/S7/.1  .\    /.  )AVf.s- 


43 


Can   1   love  llicc,  my  beloved— can   I   love  ihcc  ? 

And  is  t/t/'s  like  love,  to  sl.uid 

With  no  help  in  my  hand. 
When  strong  as  death   I  fain  would  watch  abo\e  thee? 

My  love-kiss  can  deny 

No  tear  that  falls  beneath  it  : 

My  oath  of  love  can  swear  thee 

From  no  ill  that  comes  near  thee,— 

And  thou  diest  while  I  breathe  it, 

And  /,  I  can  but  die  ! 
May  God  love  thee,  my  beloved,- may  God  love  thee. 


^Ibiiit  iDill)  mc. 

BIDE  with  mc  ;    fast  falls  the  eventide; 
The  darkness  thickens  ;     Lord  with  me  abide 
When  other  helpers  fail,  and  comforts  flee, 
Help  of  the  helpless,  O  abide  with  me  ; 

'^^^1    Swift  to  its  close  ebbs  out  life's  little  day  ; 
^    Earth's  joys  grow  dim,  its  glories  pass  away  ; 
\-  Change  and  decay  in  all  around  I   see  ; 

O  Thou  who  changest  not,  abide  with  mc. 


Not  a  brief  glance  I  beg,  a  passing  word, 
But  as  Thou  dwell'st  with  Thy  disciples,   Lord, — 
Familiar,  condescending,  patient,  free, 
Come  not  to  sojourn,  but  abide  with  me. 

Come  not  in  terrors,  as  the  King  of  kings. 
But  kind  and  good,  with  healing  on  thy  wings  ; 
Tears  for  all  woes,  a  heart  for  every  plea  ; 
Come,  Friend  of  sinners,  thus  abide  with  me. 

1  need  Thy  presence  every  passing  hour, — 
What  but  Thy  grace  can  foil  the  tempters  power? 
Who  like  Thyself  my  guide  and  stay  can  be  ? 
Through  cloud  and  sunshine,  O  abide  with  me. 

1  fear  no  foe,  with  Thee  at  hand  to  bless  : 
Ills  have  no  weight,  and  tears  no  bitterness  : 
Where  is  death's    sting  ?    where,  grave,  thy  victory  ? 
I  triumph  still  if  Thou  abide  with  me. 

Hold  Thou  Thy  cross  before  my  closing  eyes, 
Shine  through  the  gloom,  and  point  me  to  the  skies  ; 
Heaven's  morning  breaks,  and  earth's  vain  shadows  flee 
In  hfe,  in  death,  O  Lord,  abide  with  me. 


f  0  :i  MattrfolDl. 

HITHER,  midst  falling  dew, 
While  glow  the  heavens  with  the  last  steps  of  day, 
Far  through  their  rosy  depths  dost  thou  pursue 
Thy  solitary  way? 

\'ainly  the  fowler's  eye 
Might  mark  thy  distant  flight  to  do  thee  wrong. 
As,  darkly  painted  on  the  crimson  sky, 

Thy  figure  floats  along. 

Seek'st  thou  the  plashy  brink 
Of  weedy  lake,  or  marge  of  river  wide, 
Or  where  the  rocking  billows  rise  or  sink 

On  the  chafed  ocean  side? 

There  is  a  power  whose  care 
Teaches  thy  way  along  that  pathless  coast, — 
The  desert  and  the  illimitable  air, — 

Lone  wandering,  but  not  lost. 

All  day  thy  wings  have  fanned, 
At  that  far  height,  the  cold,  thin  atmosphere, 
Yet  stoop  not,  weary,  to  the  welcome  land. 

Though  the  dark   night  is  near. 


And  soon  that  toil  shall  end  ; 
Soon  shalt  thou  find  a  summer  home,  and  rest, 
And  scream  among  thy  fellows  ;    reeds  shall  bend 

Soon  o'er  thy  sheltered  nest. 

Thou'rt  gone,  the  abyss  of  heaven 
Hath  swallowed  up  thy  form  ;    yet  on  my  heart 
Deeply  hath  sunk  the  lesson  thou  hast  given. 

And  shall   not  soon  depart. 

He  who,  from  zone  to  zone, 
Guides  through  the  boundless  sky  thy  certain  flight, 
In  the  long  way  that  I  must  tread  alone, 

Will  guide  my  steps  aright. 


imniprcscncc. 


ATHER  and   Friend!     Thy  light,   thy  love 
I5eaming  through  all  Thy  works  we  see  ; 
Thy  glory  gilds  the  heavens  above, 
And  all  the  earth  is  full  of  Thee. 

Thy  voice  we  hear.  Thy  presence  feel, 
Whilst  Thou,  too  pure  for  mortal  sight, 
Involved  in  clouds — invisible, 
Reignest  the  Lord  of  life  and  light. 

We  know  not  in  what  hallowed  part 
Of  the  wide  heavens  Thy  throne  may  be. 
But  this  we  know,  that  where  Thou  art, 
Strength,  wisdom,  goodness,  dwell  with  Thee. 

Thy  children  shall  not  faint  or  fear, 
Sustained  by  this  delightful  thought, 
Since  Thou  their  God  art  everywhere, 
They  cannot  be  where  Thou  art  not. 


f  l]e  gtlpine  6fnli;iiu 


HE,  'neath  ice-mountains  vast, 
Long  had  lain  sleeping, 

When  she  looked  forth  at  last 
Timidly  peeping. 

Trembling  she  gazed  around, — 

All  round  her  slept. 
O'er  the  dead  icy  ground 

Cold  shadows  crept. 

Wide  fields  of  silent  snow. 

Still  frozen  seas  ; 
What  could  her  young  life  do 

Mid  such  as  these.'' 

Not  a  voice  came  to  her. 

Not  a  warm  breath  ; 
What  hope  lay  there  for  her, 

Living  midst  death  ? 


There  smiled  the  kindly  sun, 
Gentle  beams  kissed  her  ; 

On  her  the  mild  moon  shone, 
Like  a  saint  sister. 

There,  twinkling,  many  a  star 

Danced  in  sweet  mirth  ; 
Tlie  warm  hea\cns  seemed  nearer  far 

Than  the  cold  earth. 

So  she  gazed  steadfastly 

Loving  on  high. 
Till  she  grew  heavenly 

Blue  as  the  sky. 

And  the  cold  icicles 

Near  her  which  grew. 
Thawed  in  her  skyey  bells, 

Fed  her  with  dew  : 


And  the  tired  traveller 
Gazing  abroad. 

Fixing  his  eyes  on  her 
Thinketh  of  God, — 


Mournfully  pondering, 

Gazed  she  on  high  ; 
White  clouds  were  wandering 

Through  the  blue  sky. 

Thinks  how,  mid  life's  cold  snow, 
Hearts  to  God  given 

Breathe  out  where'er  they  go 
Summer  and  heaven. 


%\t  60lkn  llnle. 


A//  things  -ivhaisoc^'fr ye  luoiihi  tliat  men  should  do  unto 
you,  do yc  cvoi  so  to  thi-in." — Matt.  vii.  12. 

H  !    not  alone  the  murderous  blade 

This  golden  rule  would  sheathe, 
Not  only  rival  states  be  made 

The  words  of  peace  to  breathe. 
But  were  this  sacred  maxim  ours, 
How  oft  life's  thorns  were  changed  to  flowers, 
How  many  a  cloud  that  round  us  lowers, 

Would  half  its  darkness  lose. 
Love  o'er  our  chequered,  changeful  way. 
Would  hold  its  sweet  yet  potent  sway, 
Mighty  as  noontide's  powerful  ray, 

Yet  soft  as  evening  dews. 

Not  only  near  the  glittering  sword 

Doth  war's  fierce  spirit  dwell, 
The  discord  of  the  soul,  a  word, 

A  glance,  can  speak  too  well. 
A  thousand  trifles,  light  as  air 
To  him  who  can  life's  tempest  dare, 
May  yet  the  softer  spirit  tear 

With  wounds  not  deep,  but  keen. 
And  who  can  thus  bid  others  smart. 
Has  war  as  surely  in  his  heart 
As  he  who  wings  the  poisoned  dart 

In  battle's  dreadful  scene. 

But  thoughtless  words  may  bear  a  sting 

Where  malice  hath  no  place. 
May  wake  to  pain  some  secret  string 

Beyond  thy  power  to  trace. 
When  quivering  lips,  and  flushing  check. 
The  spirit's  agony  bespeak, 
Then,  though  thou  deem  thy  brother  weak, 

Yet  soothe  his  soul  to  peace. 
But  if  the  fierce  and  kindling  eye. 
Proclaim  a  storm  of  passion  nigh. 
Oh  !    then,  with  tenfold  fervour  try 

To  bid  the  tumult  cease. 


CHRIS II AX  L\RICS.  49 


For  if  those  ani,n-y  passions  wake 

Within  another's  breast, 
Thou'lt  surely  in  his  guilt  partake, 

Its  weight  on  thee  will  rest. 
And  though  the  crime  be  great  in  him 
To  let  the  tempest  rise  within. 
Yet  is  not  thine  the  greater  sin, 

In  the  just  view  of  Heaven? 
Whose  load  in  many  an  after  day, 
Upon  thy  burdened  heart  may  weigh. 
And  chase  thy  spirit's   calm  away, 
When  he  has  been  forgiven. 

Perchance  thy  well-aimed  satire  draws 

A  smile  from  those  around, 
But  in  a  heartless  throng's  applause 

Is  solid  pleasure  found.' 
Can  it  delight  thee .''    surely,  no  ; 
Its  brightest  smiles  thou  would'st  forego, 
The  fame  its  honours  can  bestow. 

Rather  than  wound  another. 
Couldst  thou  its  worthless  praise  obtain, 
A  listening  world's  approval  gain, 
Could  this  atone  to  thee  for  pain 

Inflicted  on  a  brother.' 

O  thou,  whose  every  nerve  vibrates 

On  feeling's  golden  chain  ! 
Whose  chords  each  passing  breeze  awakes 

To  pleasure  or  to  pain. 
A  living  harp,  whose  trembling  strings 
Now  rapture  thrills,  now  anguish  wrings, 
While  every  whispering  zephyr  brings 

Some  breath  to  swell  the  tone  ; 
Remember,  feelings  as  refined 
May  round  thy  brother's  heart  be  twined, 
And  gently  guard  his  peace  of  mind, 
As  if  it  were  thine  own. 


Thus  make  this  sacred  maxim  thine, 

While  hfe  is  spared  to  thee, 
The  hp  that  gave  it  was  divine — 

A  hp  of  purity. 
And  He  whose  blameless  life  supplied 
Of  holy  love  a  boundless  tide, 
Thy  yielded  heart  would  sweetly  guide, 

Its  loveliness  to  see. 
And  where  its  spirit  felt  aright, 
'Twould  shed  around  a  hallowed  light, 
And  make  this  weary  world  as  bright 
As  aught  'neath  heaven  can  be. 


_§trcngtlr,  %ok,  antr  gest. 

TILL  evermore  for  some  great  strength  wc  pray, 
Seeking  and  yearning  for  it  day  by  day  ; 
If'  A  strength  whereon    undoubting  we  may  lean. 
And  find  that  rest  wc  have  but  dimly  seen. 

To  lean  our  heart  upon  another  heart. 
In  love  that  neither  life  nor  death  can  part  ; 
I  So  seek  we  still  to  end  our  life-long  quest, 
Y^  For  only  in  true  love  we  find  true  rest. 

That  love  which  makes  another's  life  our  own. 
And  tunes  our  jarring  natures  to  one  tone  ;. 
The  filling  up  of  all  we  sought  so  long  ; 
For  leaning  on  itself  no  strength  is  strong. 

No  love  is  perfect  here,  it  leads  us  on 
To  love's  great  source — the  uncreated  One  ; 
Most  true  is  that  through  which  we  learn  to  see 
Most  of  Thy  strength,  and  most,  O  Lord,  of  Thee. 

Which  sees,  in  all  its  happiness  and  bliss. 
The  promise  of  a  joy  more  great  than  this  ; 
W'hich  seeks  its  pcrfectness  for  evermore, 
In  the  love-light  that  gilds  the  happy  shore. 


C/IKJS//.l.\     I.  \- RICS. 


5-' 


(^  strength,  O  love  and  rest,  the  light  that  steals 
From  the  pure  sunshine  of  those  golden  fields  ! 
Faint  rays  we  catch  e'en  now  upon  our  way, 
Lighting  our  footsteps  to  the  land  of  day. 

Thou  art  the  light,  the  sunshine  is  from  Thee  ; 
And  in  Thy  heart  is  strength  and  purity  ; 
Tliere  lean  our  weary  hearts,  there  ends  our  cju^-si, 
F"or  there  is  perfect  love  and  perfect  rest. 


?plv  6cnt(i), 


'EAK  gently  !    it  is  better  far 
To  rule  by  love  than  fear  ; 
Speak  gently  ;    let  not  harsh  words  mar 
The  good  we  might  do  here  ! 

Speak  gently  I    love  doth  whisper  low 
The  vows  that  true  hearts  bind  ; 

And  gently  friendship's  accents  flow  ; 
Affection's  voice  is  kind  ! 

.Speak  gently  to  the  little  child. 

Its  love  be  sure  to  gain  ; 
Teach  it  in  accents   soft  and  mild  : 

It  may  not  long  remain  ! 


Speak  gently  to  the  young  ;  for  they 

Will  have  enough  to  bear  ; 
Pass  through  this  world  as  best  they  may 

'Tis  full  of  anxious  care  ! 

Speak  gently  to  the  aged  one  ; 

Grieve  not  the  careworn  heart  ; 
The  sands  of  life  are  nearly  run, 

Let  such  in  peace  depart. 

Speak  gently,  kindly  to  the  poor, 
Let  no  harsh  tone  be  heard  ; 

They  have  enough  they  must  endure. 
Without  an  unkind  word. 


Speak  gently  to  the  erring  !  know 
They  may  have  toiled  in  vain  ; 

Perchance  unkindness  made  them  so 
Oh  !  win  them  back  again. 

Speak  gently  !  He  who  gave  His  life 
To  bend  man's  stubborn  will. 

When  elements  were  in  fierce  strife. 
Said  to  them,  "  Peace,  be  still." 

Speak  gently  !  'tis  a  little  thing 
Dropped  in  the  heart's  deep  well  ; 

The  good,  the  joy,  that  it  may  bring, 
Eternity  shall  tell  ! 


Jfaitlj,  fope,  auir  €\m\it 

^"\^AITH,  Hope,  and  Charity, — these  three, 

[g\f  Yet  is  the  greatest — Charity  ; 

Father  of  lights  !    these  gifts  impart 
To  mine  and  every  human  heart. 

Faith,  that  in  prayer  can  never  fail  ; 
Hope,  that  o'er  doubting  must  prevail  ; 
And  Charity,  whose  name  above 
Is  God's  own  name, — for  God  is  love. 

The  morning  star  is  lost  in  light  ; 
Faith  vanishes  at  perfect  sight  ; 
The  rainbow  passes  with  the  storm, 
And  hope  with  sorrow's  fading  form. 

But  Charity,  serene,  sublime. 
Unlimited  by  death  or  time, 
Like  the  blue  sky's  all-bounding  space. 
Holds  heaven  and  earth  in  one  embrace. 


%\Mt  not. 


UDGE  not  ;    the  workings  of  his  brain 
And  of  his  heart  thou  canst  not  see  ; 

\\'hat  looks  to  thy  dim  eyes  a  stain, 
In  God's  pure  light  may  only  be 

A  scar,  brought  from  some  well-won  field, 

Where  thou  would'st  only  faint  and  yield. 

The  look,  the  air,   that  frets  thy  sight. 

May  be  a  token  that  below 
The  soul  has  closed  in  deadly  fight 

With  some  infernal  fiery  foe. 
Whose  glance  would  scorch  thy  smiling  grace. 
And  cast  the  shuddering  on  thy  face. 

The  fall  thou  darest  to  despise — 
May  be  the  slackened  angel's  hand 

Has  suffered  it,  that  he  may  rise 
And  take  a  firmer  surer  stand  ; 

Or,  trusting  less  to  earthly  things, 

May  henceforth  learn  to  use  his  wings. 

And  judge  none  lost  ;    but  wait  and  see, 

With  hopeful  pity,  not  disdain  : 
The  depth  of  the  abyss  may  be 

The  measure  of  the  height  of  pain. 
And  lo\x  and  glory,  that  may  raise 
This  soul  to  God  in  after  days. 


f  Ijinli  gcntlir  of  Ik  Curving. 


HINK  gently  of  the  erring  ; 
^  Ye  know  not  of  the  power 
))^  With  which  the  dark  tempta- 
tion came, 
In  some  unguarded  hour, 
Ye  may  not  know  how  earnestly 
They  struggled,  or  how  well, 
Until  the  hour  of  weakness  came. 
And  sadly  thus  they  fell. 

Think  gently  of  the  erring  ; 
Oh  !  do  not  thou  forget, 
However  darkly  stained  by  sin. 
He  is  thy  brother  yet  ; 
Heir  of  the  self-same  heritage, 
Child  of  the  self-same  God, 
He  has  but  stumbled  in  the  path 
Thou  hast  in  weakness  trod. 


Speak  gently  to  the  erring  ; 

For  is  it  not  enough 

That    innocence   and    peace   have 

gone, 
Without  thy  censure  rough  ? 
It  sure  must  be  a  weary  lot. 
That  sin-stained  heart  to  bear, 
And  those  who  share  a  happier  fate 
Their  chidings  well  may  spare. 

Speak  gently  to  the  erring  ; 
Thou  yet  may'st  lead  them  back 
With  holy  words  and  tones  of  love, 
From  misery's  thorny  track  ; 
Forget  not  thou  hast  often  sinned. 
And  sinful  yet  must  be. 
Deal  gently  with  the  erring,  then, 
As  God  has  dealt  with  thee. 


'gitt'^  I'csson. 


INDER  the  bowcring  honey- 
suckle, 
15\  purple  bells  of  shaking 
_  heather, 

<<<^^^^"i     And    brambly    spines    that 
closely  buckle 
Thick-leaved  chains  together. 

As  the  sunshine  plays, 
Where  the  lily  strays 

On  its  stream, 
Netting  a  gaudy  maze 

Where  the  shingles  gleam, 
Flitting  in  cressy  nook 
Which  the  forget-me-not, 
King-cup,  and  hare-dell  dot. 
How  the  glad  little  brook, 

Sparkling  along, 
Singeth  in  joyous  measure. 
Toned  by  its  own  s\vect  pleasure, 
Music's  song  I 


Under  the  night's  gloom,  black  and 
starless, 
When  the  old  forest-beeches  near 

its 
Darkling    flood,    like    trees    are   far 

less 
Than  like  shadowy  spirits  ; 
Though  the  sunlight's  gone 
That  so  sweetly  shone. 

And  the  flowers 
Died,  as  the  night  came  on, 

With  the  golden  hours  ; 
Though  the  blossom  and  beam. 

Though  the  love  and  the  light 

From  the  glamour  of  night, 
Have  deserted  its  stream, 

How  the  lone  rill. 
Chilled  and  forsaken — listen  ! 
Makes,  though  no  starlight  glisten, 

Music  still  ! 


f^e  Streamlet's  .^ong. 


LITTLE  brook  went  singing, 
All  through  the  summer  hours, 
jih^l^^.'-'  Ever  a  low  soft  murmur 
^    ^«3   It  whispered  to  the  flowers. 
The  bulrush  and  the  sedgegrass 

Its  leafy  border  made, 
And  the  low  bending  willow 
Gave  cool  and  quiet  shade. 

The  young  birds  loved  its  shelter, 

And  listened  to  its  song. 
They  tried  to  learn  its  cadence. 

As  it  carolled  it  along. 
What  was  the  brooklet  singing. 

What  did  its  murmur  say, 
Its  dreamy  tones  of  music 

Through  all  the  summer-day  ? 

A  child  came  to  its  margin, 

It  sang  its  song  to  her  : 
"  Fair  child,"  it  said,  "  I'm  joyous 

As  spring-time's  flowerets  are. 
For  life  is  glad  and  sunny, 

And  who  so  gay  as  I  ? 
For  flowerets  kiss  me  as  I  pass 

Beneath  the  glowing  skv." 


A  maiden  watched  the  brooklet, 

To  her  its  low  voice  said, 
'•  Calm  my  life  has  always  been 

In  this  fair  meadow  led; 
If  clouds  have  dimmed  the  brightness, 

They  quickly  passed  away, 
And  when  I've  reached  the  river, 

I  shall  be  always  gay." 

Long  years  had  changed  the  maiden, 

When  there  she  stood  again  ; 
Youth's  glee  had  left  her  spirit. 

Her  eyes  were  dim  with  pain. 
Was  it  the  song  her  childhood, 

Or  that  her  girlhood  knew. 
That  reached  her  world-worn  spirit. 

Watching  its  waters  blue  .'' 

She  heard  a  sadder  murmur 

Than  she  had  heard  before  ; 
"  Oh  never  gleams  the  sunlight 

In  brightness  as  of  yore  ! 
I'm  weary  of  the  meadow, 

I'ni  weary  of  my  tune. 
The  nights  are  dark  and  cheerless, 

The  winter  cometh  soon."' 


CJfRI.S/J.l  .\    L  YRICS. 


57 


An  aged  woman  watched  it 

With  tear-dimmcd  anxious  eye. 
And  bent  her  car  to  hsten 

To  the  streamlet's  symphony. 
But  oh,  it  sang  that  evening 

A  changed,  a  sadder  sound  ; 
"  I  go  my  weary  journe)', 

To  that  great  ocean  l)ound. 

"  My  hfe  is  sad  and  restless, 

I  water  many  a  grave, 
I  fear  the  heaving  ocean, 

I  fear  the  mighty  wave." — 
But  still  the  child  and  maiden 

And  weary  woman's  heart, 
Read  not  aright  its  lesson, 

Nor  what  its  music  taught. 

Their  own  hearts  beat  too  loudly 

The  stream's  low  tones  to  hear. 
Their  spirits'  voices  heard  they 

And  not  its  music  clear. 
I'll  tell  you  what  it  murmured. 

What  were  the  words  it  sung. 
As  blue-bells  kissed  its  waters. 

And  sedgegrass  o'er  it  hung. 


It  said,  "  My  life  is  luiinhle, 

But  very  tranquil  too, 
1  gaze  for  ever  upwards 

On  that  deep  sky  of  blue. 
After  the  cloudlets  gather. 

The  sunshine  seems  more  bright 
1  know  the  morning  cometh. 

Though  dark  may  be  the  night. 

"Sometimes  the  flowerets  wither, 

I  make  them  fresh  again  ; 
I  bathe  the  thirsty  willows 

When  falls  no  gentle  rain. 
The  work  my  Maker  gives  me 

It  makes  me  glad  to  do  ; 
His  smile  is  in  the  sunshine, 

His  blessing  in  the  dew. 

"The  ocean  I  am  nearing 

Is  beautiful  and  fair  : 
He  leads  me  through  the  meadow, 

He'll  make  me  happy  there. 
And  anywiiere  and  everywhere, 

So  that  I  do  His  will. 
And  do  my  life's  work  bravely, 

I  shall  be  happy  still." 


|U!iun  of  11)0  (LitiT. 

OT  in  the  solitude 

Alone  may  man  commune  with  Heaven,  or  see 
Only  in  savage  wood 

And  sunny  vale,  the  present  Deity  ; 
Or  only  hear  His  voice 
Where  the  winds  whisper  and  the  waves    rejoice. 

Even  here  I  do  behold 

Thy  steps,  Almighty,  here  amidst  the  crowd, 
Through  the  vast  city  rolled. 

With  everlasting  murmur  deep  and  loud — 
Choking  the  ways  that  wind 
'Mongst  the  proud  piles,  the  work  of  human  kind. 

Thy  golden  sunshine  comes 

From  the  round  heaven,  and  on  their  dwelling  lies, 
And  lights  their  inner  homes  ; 

For  them  Thou  fiU'st  with  air  the  unbounded  skies. 
And  givest  them  the  stores 
Of  ocean,  and  the  harvest  of  its  shores. 

Thy  spirit  is  around. 

Quickening  the  restless  mass  that  sweeps  along  ; 
And  this  eternal  sound — • 

Voices  and  footfalls  of  the  numberless  throng. 
Like  the  resounding  sea, 
Or  like  the  rainy  tempest,  speaks  of  Thee. 

And  when  the  hours  of  rest 

Come,  like  a  calm  upon  the  mid-sea  brine. 
Hushing  its  billowy  breast — 

The  quiet  of  that  moment  too  is  Thine, 
It  breathes  of  Him  who  keeps 
The  vast  and   helpless  city  while  it  sleeps. 


flic  '^iroolilct. 

WEET  brooklet,  ever  ^,diding, 
Now  high  the  mountain  riding, 
The  low  vale  now  dividing. 

Whither  away?" 

'•  With  pilgrim  course   I   flow  ; 
Or  in  summer's  searching  glow. 
Or  in  moonless  waste  of  snow. 

Nor  stop,  nor  stay  : 

"  For  oh,  by  high  behest, 
To  a  home  of  glorious  rest. 
In  my  parent  ocean's  breast, 

I  haste  away." 

'•  Many  a  dark  morass. 

Many  a  craggy  mass, 

Thy  feeble  force  must  pass. 

Yet,  yet,  delay  !" 

"  Though  the  marsh  be  dire  and  deep, 
Though  the  crag  be  stern  and  steep, 
On,  on,  my  course  must  keep, 

I  may  not  stay. 

"  For  oh  !    be  it  east  or  west. 
To  a  home  of  glorious  rest, 
In  the  bright  sea's  boundless  breast, 
I  haste  away. " 


"  The  warbling  bowers  beside  thee, 
The  laughing  flowers  that  hide  thee, 
With  soft  accord  they  chide  thee, 

Sweet  brooklet,  stay  I' 

"  I   taste  of  the  fragrant  flowers, 
1   respond  to  the  warbling  bowers. 
Sweetly  they  charm  the  hours 

On  my  winding  way. 

"But  ceaseless  still  in  quest 

Of  that  eternal  rest 

In  my  parent's  boundless  breast, 

I  haste  away  !" 

"  Knowest  thou  the  drear  abyss  ? 
Is  it  a  scene  of  bliss  ? 
Oh  !    rather  cling  to  this  ; 

Sweet  brooklet,  stay  I' 

"  Oh  !    who  shall  fitly  tell 
What  wonders  there  may  dwell  ; 
That  world  of  mystery  well 

Might  strike  dismay  ! 

"  But   I   know  'tis  my  parent's  breast  : 
There  held,  I  must  needs  be  blest  ; 
And  with  joy  to  my  promised  rest 
I  haste  awav  !" 


:^^i 


31  Jilorning  yniucr. 


t 


HE  golden  morn  flames  up  the  eastern  sky, 
And  what  dark  night  had  hid  from  every  eye 

All-piercing  day-light  summons  clear  to  view  : 
And  all  the  forests,  vale,  or  plain,  or  hill. 
That  slept  in  mist  enshrouded,  dark  and  still, 

In. gladsome  light  are  glittering  now  anew. 

.Shine  in  my  heart  and  bring  me  joy  and  light, 
.Sun  of  my  darkened  soul,  dispel  its  night. 

And  shed  in  it  the  truthful  day  abroad  ; 
And  all  the  many  gloomy  folds  lay  bare 
Within  this  heart  that  fain  would  learn  to  wear 

The  pure  and  glorious  likeness  of  its  Lord. 

Glad  with  Thy  light,  and  glowing  with  Thy  love. 
So  let  me  ever  think,  and  speak,  and  moNc, 

As  fits  a  soul  new-touched  with  life  from  heaven. 
That  seeks  but  so  to  order  all  her  course, 
As  most  to  show  the  glory  of  that  source 

By  whom  alone  her  strength,  her  life  are  given. 

I   ask  not,  take  away  this  weight  of  care  ; 
No,  for  that  love  I  pray  that  all  can  bear. 

And  for  the  faith  that  whatsoe'er  befall 
Must  needs  be  good,  and  for  my  profit  prove. 
Since  from  my  Father's  heart,  most  rich  in  love, 

And  from   His  bounteous  hands  it  cometh  all. 


I  ask  not  that  my  course  be  calm  and  still ; 
No,  here  too,  Lord,  be  done  Thy  holy  will  ; 

I  ask  but  for  a  quiet,  child-like  heart  ; 
Though  thronging  cares  and  restless  toil  be  mine. 
Yet  may  my  heart  remain  for  ever  Thine, 

Draw  it  from  earth,  and  fix  it  where  Thou  art. 

1   ask  Thee  not  to  finish  soon  the  strife. 
The  toil,  the  trouble  of  this  earthly  life  : 

No,  be  my  peace  amid  its  grief  and  pain  ; 
1  pray  not  grant  me  now  Thy  realm  on  high  : 
No,  ere  I  die  let  me  to  evil  die. 

And  through  Thy  cross  m\'  sins  be  wholly  slain. 

True  Morning  Sun  of  all  my  life,   I   pray 
That  not  in  vain  Thou  shine  on  mc  to  day, 

Be  Thou  my  light  when  all  around  is  gloom  ; 
Thy  brightness,  hope,  and  courage  on  me  shed, 
That  I  may  joy  to  see,  when  life  is  fled. 

The  setting  sun  that  brings  the  pilgrim  home. 


Scabeniuarij. 


HAVENWARD  doth  our  journey  tend, 
t       We  are  strangers  here  on  earth, 
Through  the  wilderness  we  wend 
Towards  the  Canaan  of  our  birth. 
Z^^,^  Here  we  roam  a  pilgrim  band, 
Yonder  is  our  native  land. 

Heavenward  stretch,  my  soul,  thy  wings. 
Heavenly  nature  canst  thou  claim. 

There  is  nought  of  earthly  things 
Worthy  to  be  all  thine  aim  ; 

Every  soul  that  God  inspires, 

Back  to  Him,  its  source,  aspires. 


C//R/S/J.I  X   J.  VRICS.  63 


Heavenward  !    doth  His  Spirit  cry, 
When   I   hear   Him  in   His  word 

Showing  thus  the  rest  on  high, 
Where  I   shall  be  with  my  Lord. 

When  His  word  fills  all  my  thought, 

Oft  to  heaven  my  soul  is  caught. 

Hea\enward  ever  would  I  haste. 
When  Thy  table,  Lord,  is  spread  ; 

Heavenly  strength  on  earth  1  taste. 
Feeding  on  the  Living  Bread  ; 

Such  is  e'en  on  earth  our  fare 

Wlu)  Thy  marriage  feast  shall  share. 

Heavenward  I    faith  discerns  the  prize, 

That  is  waiting  us  afar. 
And  my  heart  would  swiftly  rise. 

High  o'er  sun  and  moon  and  star. 
To  that  light  behind  the  veil 
Where  all  earthly  splendours  pale. 

Heavenward  death  shall  lead  at  last. 
To  the  home  where  I  would  be. 

All  my  sorrows  overpast, 

I  shall  triumph  there  with  Thee, 

Jesus,  who  hast  gone  before. 

That  we  too  might  heavenward  soar. 

Heavenward  I    heavenward  I    only  this 
I  s  my  watchword  on  the  earth  ; 

F(jr  the  love  of  heavenly  bliss 
Counting  all  things  little  worth. 

Heavenward  all  my  being  tends 

Till  in  heaven  my  journey  ends. 


<2<^f^5l'$'£" 


f  1]C  ^ttOllb  §'% 

"  A  Jid  God  said,  let  there  be  a  firviament." 

HIS  world  I  deem 
But  a  beautiful  dream 

Of  shadows  that  are  not  what  they  seem  ; 
Where  visions  arise, 
( "riving  dim  surmise 
( )f  the  sights  that  shall  meet  our  waking  eyes. 

Arm  of  the  Lord  I 

Creating  Word , 

Whose  glory  the  silent  skies  record, 

Where  stands  Thy  name 

In  scrolls  of  flame. 

On  the  firmament's  high-shadowing  frame  I 

I  gaze  o'erhead, 

Where  Thy  hand  hath  spread 

For  the  waters  of  heaven,  their  crystal  bed  ; 

And  stored  the  dew 

In  its  depths  of  blue. 

Which  the  fires  of  the  sun  come  tempered  through. 


( 7/ AV.V  TIA  \    L  1  -RICS.  65 


Soft  they  shine 

Through  that  pure  shrine, 

As  beneath  the  veil  of  Thy  flesh  divine 

Beams  forth  the  hght, 

That  were  else  too  bright 

For  the  feebleness  of  a  sinner's  sight. 

And  such   I  deem 

This  world  will  seem 

When  we  waken  from  life's  uncertain  dream, 

And  burst  the  shell 

Where  our  spirits  dwell 

In  this  wondrous  anti-natal  cell. 

I  gaze  aloof 

At  the  tissued  roof 

Where  time  and  space  are  the  warp  and  woof 

Which  the  King  of  kings 

As  a  curtain  flings 

O'er  the  dreadfulness  of  eternal  things  ; 

As  a  tapestried  tent, 

To  shade  us  meant, 

From  the  bare  everlasting  firmament  ; 

Where  the  blaze  of  the  skies 

Comes  soft  to  our  eyes 

Through  a  \eil  of  mystical  imageries. 

But  could  I  see 

As  in  truth  they  be, 

The  glories  of  heaven  that  encompass  mc, 

I   should  lightly  hold 

The  tissued  fold 

Of  this  niar\ellous  curtain  of  blue-and->Jold. 


And 

soon  the  whole. 

As  a 

parchM  scroll. 

Shall 

to  my  amazed  si, 

,du 

uproll  ; 

And 

without  a  screen 

At  one  burst  be  seen, 

The 

presence  in  which 

I 

have  ever 

been. 

66 


CHRIS  TIA  N  L  YRICS. 


Oh  !    who  shall  bear 

The  blinding  glare 

Of  the  majesty  that  shall  meet  us  there  ? 

What  eye  can  gaze 

On  the  unveiled  blaze 

On  the  light-gilded  throne  of  the  Ancient  of  Days  ? 

Christ  us  aid  ! 

Himself  be  our  shade. 

That  in  that  dread  day  we  be  not  dismayed. 


Ilcsicinatioii:. 


ATHER  !    whate'er  of  earthly  bliss 
Thy  sovereign  will  denies, 
Accepted  at  Thy  throne  of  grace, 
Let  this  petition  rise  : 

"  Give  me  a  calm,  a  thankful  heart, 

From  every  murmur  free  ; 
The  blessings  of  Thy  grace  impart. 
And  make  me  live  to  Thee. 

"  Let  the  sweet  hope  that  Thou  art  mine, 

My  life  and  death  attend  ; 
Thy  presence  through  my  journey  shine, 

And  crown  my  journey's  end  !" 


f  1)C  ^U'iiiM  anb  Mmm  _^tar, 


HE  last  sand  from  time's  hour- 
glasb 

Shall  soon  disappear, 
And  like  vapour  shall  vanish 

This  old  rolling  sphere. 


On  the  floor  like  the  chaff-stream 
In  the  dark  wintry'  day, 

From  the  fan  of  destruction 
Shall  suns  drift  away. 


From  its  lustre  immortal 
My  soul  caught  the  spark, 

Which  shall   beam  on  und\- 
ing 
When  sunshine  is  dark. 

So  transforming  its  radiance. 
Its  strength  so  benign. 

Dull  clay  burns  a  ruby, 
And  man  grows  divine. 


And  the  meteors  of  glory. 

To  the  zenith  ascended. 

Which  wilder  the  wise, 

From  Joseph's  dark  tomb, 

Only  gleam  till  we  open 

Star  of  Jesse  !  so  rivet 

In  true  worlds  our  eyes. 

i\'Iy  gaze  through  the  gloom. 

But  aloft,  in  God's  heaven. 

That  Thy  beauty  imbibing. 

There  blazeth  a  star, 

My  dross  may  refine. 

And  I  live  while  Fm  watching 

Till  in  splendour  reflected 

Its  light  from  afar. 

I  burn  and  I  shine. 

fl]e  lUiilMug  of  tk  Jouse. 

HAVE  a  wondrous  house  to  build, 

A  dwelling  humble  yet  divine  ; 
A  lowly  cottage  to  be  filled 

With  all  the  jewels  of  the  mine. 
How  shall  I  build  it  strong  and  fair. 
This  noble  house,  this  lodging  rare, 

So  small  and  modest,  yet  so  great  ? 
How  shall  I   fill  its  chambers  bare, 

With  use,  with  ornament,  with  state  ? 


My  God  hath  given  the  stone  and  clay 

'Tis  I  must  fashion  them  aright  ; 
'Tis  I  must  mould  them  day  by  day, 
And  make  my  labour  my  delight  ! 

This  cot,  this  palace,  this  fair  home, 
This  pleasure  house,  this  holy  dome. 
Must  be  in  all  proportions  fit, 
That  heavenly  messengers  may  come 
To  lodge  with  him  who  tenants  it. 

No  fairy  bower  this  house  must  be. 

To  totter  at  each  gale  that  starts, 
But  of  substantial  masonry, 

Symmetrical  in  all  its  parts  ; 
Fit  in  its  strength  to  stand  sublime 
For  seventy  years  of  mortal  time, 

Defiant  of  the  storm  and  rain, 
And  well  attempered  to  the  clime. 

In  every  cranny,  nook,  and  pane. 

ril  build  it  so  that  if  the  blast 

Around  it  whistle  loud  and  long. 
The  tempest,  when  its  rage  has  passed, 

Shall  leave  its  rafters  doubly  strong. 
I'll  build  it  so,  that  travellers  by 
Shall  view  it  with  admiring  eye. 

For  its  commodiousness  and  grace  : 
Firm  on  the  ground — straight  to  the  sky, 

A  meek,  but  godly  dwelling  place. 


CHRISTIAN   LYRICS.  69 


Thus  noble  in  its  outward  form, 

Within  I'll  build  it  clean  and  white. 

Not  cheerless  cold,  but  happy  warm, 
.And  ever  open  to  the  light. 

No  tortuous  passages  or  stair. 

No  chamber  foul  or  dungeon  lair. 
No  gloomy  attic  shall  there  be, 

But  wide  apartments    ordered  fair, 
And  redolent  of  purity. 

With  three  compartments  furnished  well, 

The  house  shall  be  a  home  complete  ; 
Wherein,  should  circumstance  rebel. 

The  humble  tenant  may  retreat. 
The  first  a  room  wherein  to  deal 
With  men  for  human  nature's  weal, 

A  room  where  he  may  work  or  pla\-, 
And  all  his  social  life  reveal 

In  its  pure  texture  day  by  day. 

The  second,  for  his  wisdom  sought, 

Where,  with  his  chosen  book  or  friend. 

He  may  employ  his  active  thought 
To  virtuous  and  exalted  end. 

A  chamber  lofty  and  serene, 

With  a  door-window  to  the  green 
Smooth-shaven  sward,  and  arching  bowers. 

Where  lore  or  talk,  or  song  between, 
May  gild  his  intellectual  hours. 

The  third  an  oratory  dim. 

But   beautiful  :    where  he  may  raise, 
Unheard  of  men,  his  daily  hymn 

Of  love  and  gratitude  and  praise. 
Where  he  may  revel  in  the  light 
Of  things  unseen  and  infinite. 

And  learn  how  little  he  may  be, 
And  yet  how  awful  in  thy  sight. 

Ineffable  eternity. 

Such  is  the  house  that  I  must  build, 
This  is  the  cottage — this  the  dome — 

And  this  the  palace,  treasure-filled 
For  an  immortal's  earthly  home. 


Oh,  noble  work  of  toil  and  care  ! 
Oh,  task  most  difficult  and  rare  ! 

Oh,  simple  but  most  arduous  plan  ! 
To  raise  a  dwelling-place  so  fair — 

The  sanctuary  of  a  man. 


"|oto  olij  art  tlioit?" 

OL'NT  not  the  days  that  have  idly  flown, 

The  years  that  were  vainly  spent  ; 
Xor  speak  of  the  hours  thou  must  blush  to  own, 
When  thy  spirit  stands  before  the  throne. 

To  account  for  the  talents  lent. 

But  number  the  hours  redeemed  from  sin, 

The  moments  employed  for  heaven  ; 
Oh  !    few  and  evil  thy  days  have  been, 
Thy  life,  a  toilsome  but  worthless  scene, 
For  a  nobler  purpose  given. 

Will  the  shade  go  back  on  thy  dial-plate  ? 

Will  thy  sun  stand  still  on  his  way  ? 
Both  hasten  on  ;    and  thy  spirit's  fate 
Rests  on  the  point  of  life's  little  date  : 
Then  live  while  "tis  called  to-day. 

Life's  waning  hours,  like  the  Sybil's  page. 

As  they  lessen,  in  value  rise  : 
Oh  !    rouse  thee  and  live  !    nor  deem  man's  age 
Stands  in  the  length  of  his  pilgrimage, 

But  in  davs  that  are  trulv  wise. 


C//A'/S/7.l.\'  /.  ]'AWC.s\ 


7' 


f  I)ir  iDiiii,  not  mine. 


HY  way,  not  mine,  O  Lord, 
However  dark  it  be  ! 
•ad  nic  by  Thine  own  hand. 
Choose  out  the  path  for  me. 

Smooth  let  it  be  or  rough, 

It  will  be  still  the  best. 
Winding  or  straight,  it  leads 

Right  onward  to  Thy  rest. 

I  dare  not  choose  my  lot  : 

I  would  not  if  I   might  ; 
Choose  Thou  for  me,  my  God, 

So  shall  I  walk  aright. 


The  kingdom  that   I   seek 
Is  Thine  ;    so  let  the  way 

That  leads  to  it  be  Thine, 
Else  I  must  surely  stray. 

Take  Thou  my  cup,  and  it 
With  joy  or  sorrow  fill 

As  best  to  Thee  may  seem  ; 
Choose  Thou  my  good  and  ill. 

Choose  Thou  for  me  my  friends, 
My  sickness  or  my  health  ; 

Choose  Thou  my  cares  for  me, 
My  poverty  or  wealth. 


Not  mine,  not  mine  the  choice. 
In  things  or  great  or  small  ; 

Be  Thou  my  guide,  my  strength, 
Mv  wisdom  and  mv  all. 


Commit  tliir  \m  ta  6oiJ. 


>0MM1T  thy  way  to  God, 
The  weight  which  makes  thee  faint; 

'Worlds  are  to  Him  no  load. 

To  Him  breathe  thy  complaint. 
He  who  for  winds  and  clouds 

Maketh  a  pathway  free, 
Through  wastes,  or  hostile  crowds, 

Can  make  a  wav  for  thee. 


Thou  must  in  Him  be  blest. 

Ere  bliss  can  be  secure  ; 
On  His  work  must  thou  rest 

If  thy  work  shall  endure. 
To  anxious,  prying  thought, 

And  weary,  fretting  care. 
The  Highest  yieldeth  nought 

He  giveth  all  to  prayer  ! 


72 


CHRIS  TIA  N  L  YRICS. 


Father  !  Thy  faithful  love, 

Thy  mercy,  wise  and  mild. 
Sees  what  will  blessing  prove, 

Or  what  will  hurt  Thy  child. 
And  what  Thy  wise  foreseeing. 

Doth  for  Thy  children  choose. 
Thou  bringest  into  being, 

Nor  suff'rest  them  to  lose. 

All  means  always  possessing, 

Invincible  in  might  ; 
Thy  doings  are  all  blessing. 

Thy  goings  are  all  light. 
Nothing  Thy  work  suspending. 

No  foe  can  make  Thee  pause, 
When  Thou,  Thine  own  defending. 

Dost  undertake  their  cause. 

Hope  then,  though  woes  be  doubled, 
Hope  and  be  undismayed  ; 

Let  not  thine  heart  be  troubled, 
Nor  let  it  be  afraid. 

This  prison  where  thou  art. 
Thy  God  will  break  it  soon, 

And  ilood  with  light  thy  heart 
In  His  own  blessed  noon. 


Up,  up  !  the  day  is  breaking. 

Say  to  thy  cares,  good  night ! 
Thy  troubles  from  thee  shaking. 

Like  dreams  in  day's  fresh  light. 
Thou  wearest  not  the  crown, 

Nor  the  best  course  canst  tell ; 
God  sitteth  on  the  throne. 

And  guideth  all  things  well. 

Trust  Him  to  govern,  then  ! 

No  king  can  rule  like  Him  : 
How  wilt  thou  wonder  when 

Thine  eyes  no  more  are  dim  ; 
To  see  those  paths  which  vex  thee. 

How  wise  they  were  and  meet ; 
The  works  which  now  perplex  thee. 

How  beautiful,  complete  ! 

Faithful  the  love  thou  sharest. 

All,  all  is  well  with  thee  ! 
The  crown  from  hence  thou  bearest 

With  shouts  of  victory. 
In  thy  right  hand  to-morrow, 

Thy  God  shall  place  the  palms  ; 
To  Him  who  chased  thy  sorrow 

How  glad  will  be  thy  psalms. 


fu  botti]  all  Wmp  iucll. 

HOPED  that  with  the  brave  and  strong 

My  portioned  task  might  he  ; 
To  toil  amid  the  busy  throng 

With  purpose  pure  and  high  : 
But  God  has  fixed  another  part, 

And  he  has  fixed  it  well  ; 
I  said  so  with  my  breaking  heart, 

When  first  this  anguish  fell. 

These  weary  hours  will  not  be  lost. 
These  days  of  misery, 
Tlicsc  nights  of  darkness,  temptcst-tost — 

Can   I  but  turn  to  Thee  ; 
With  secret  labour  to  sustain 

In  patience  every  blow, 
To  gather  fortitude  from  pain, 
And  holiness  from  woe. 

If  Thou  shouldst  bring  me  back  to  life, 

More  humble  I  should  be. 
More  wise,  more  strengthened  for  the  strife, 

More  apt  to  lean  on  Thee  ; 
Should  death  be  standing  at  the  gate, 

Thus  should  I  keep  my  vow, 
IJut  Lord  I    whatever  be  my  fate, 

Oh,  let  n-i.e  serve  Thee  now  ! 


f  ok  k  60^. 


E  love  Thee,  Lord,  yet  not  alone 
Because  Thy  bounteous  hand 
Showers  down  its  rich  and  ceaseless  gifts 

On  ocean  and  on  land  : 
Because  Thou  bidst  the  Sun  go  forth 

Rejoicing  in  his  might, 
And  kindle  earth  to  glowing  life 
And  beauty  with  his  light. 


Because  Thou  roU'st  the  orbs  of  light 

Through  trackless  fields  of  space, 
And  giv'st  to  each  low  creeping  flower 

Its  fragrance  and  its  grace  : 
Because  in  sunshine  and  in  storm 

Alike  we  see  Thee  near  ; 
In  summer  gale  and  rushing  wind. 
Alike  Thy  voice  we  hear  ; 

'Tis  not  alone  because  Thy  names 

Of  Wisdom,  Power,  and  Love, 
Are  written  on  the  earth  beneath, 

The  glorious  skies  above  : 
For  these.  Thy  gifts,  we  praise  Thee,  Lord 

Yet  not  for  these  alone 
The  incense  of  Thy  children's  love 

Arises  to  Thv  throne. 


CHRIS  TIA  X  L  \  'RICS. 


Wc  love  Thcc,  Lord,  because  when  \vc 

Had  erred  and  gone  astray, 
Thou  didst  recall  our  wandering  souls 

Into  the  heavenward  way  ; 
When  helpless,  hopeless,  wc  were  lost 

In  sin  and  sorrow's  night, 
Thou  didst  send  forth  a  guiding  ray 

Of  Thy  benignant  light. 

Because,  when  wc  forsook  Thy  ways. 

Nor  kept  Thy  holy  will, 
Thou  wert  not  the  avenging  Judge, 

But  gracious  Father  still  ; 
Because  we  have  forgot  Thee,  Lord, 

Yet  thou  hast  not  forgot ; 
Because  we  have  forsaken  Thee, 

Yet  Thou  forsakest  not  : — 

Because,  O  Lord,  Thou  lovedst  us 

With  everlasting  love  : 
Because  Thy  Son  came  down  to  die, 

That  wc  might  live  above  ; 
Because  when  we  were  heirs  of  wrath, 

Thou  gavest  hopes  of  heaven  : 
Yes  ;    much  we  love,  who  much  have  sinned, 

And  much  have  been  forgiven. 


(Lliikilalic  for  int. 

those  that  watch  for  the   day, 

Through  the  restless  night  of  pain, 
When  the  first  fair  streaks  of  grey 

Bring  rest  and  ease  again — 
As  they  turn  their  sleepless  eyes 

The  eastern  sky  to  see, 
Long  hours  before  sunrise — 

So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee. 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day. 

Through  the  long,  long  night  of  grief, 
When  the  soul  can  only  pray 

That  the  day  may  bring  relief, — • 
When  the  eyes,  with  weeping  spent, 

No  dawn  of  hope  can  see, 
But  the  heart  keeps  watch  intent, — 

So  waiteth  my  soul  for  Thee. 

As  those  that  watch   for  the  day. 
Through  that  deepest  night  of  all. 

When  trembling  and  sin  have  sway, 
And  the  shades  of  Thy  absence  fall  : 


As  they  search,  through  clouds  of  fear. 

That  Morning  Star  to  sec, 
And  the  Light  of  Life  appear — 

So  waitcth  my  soul  for  Thee  I 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day, 

And  know  that  the  day  will  rise. 
Through  the  weary  hours  delay. 

As  they  pass  under  midnight  skies, 
Though  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 

Only  faith's  eye  can  see, 
Because  Thou  hast  promised  to  bless, 

Lord  Jesus,  I  wait  for  Thee. 


~f<d^. 


%\t  |)romistl)  ©ne. 

Front  "David  Pi.aving  befoke  Sail." 

EE  !    the  dull  dense  clouds  are  breaking 
Slowly,  slowly  into  light  away  ; 
And  my  mental  sense  is  waking, 

Dazzled  by  a  brighter  ray 
Than  e'er,  the  east  with  glory  streaking. 
Glanced  from  the  opening  eyes  of  day. 

Is  it  come?— that  glimpse  of  heaven 
For  which  my  soul  so  long  hath  striven, 
Diving  for  lore  obscure  and  high. 
In  the  darkling  depths  of  prophecy? 
Avaunt  thee,  fiend  !    the  woman's  seed_  shall  tread 
On  the  fierce  terrors  of  the  serpent's  head. 

I   know  Him  by  the  light   lie  giveth  ; 

I  know  that  my   Redeemer  liveth  : 

He  shall  stand  upon  the  earth. 

Godlike  in  His  mortal  birth  ; 
In  Him  the  sons  of  sorrow  shall  find  rest, 
And  all  the  nations  of  the  world  be  blest. 


Yes,  I  know  Him  from  afar, — 
Israel's  sceptre,  Jacob's  star  ; 
For  like  him  on  Zophim's  brow, 

Him  of  the  gifted  eye, 
I   shall  see  Him,  but  not  now. 

Behold  Him,  but  not  nigh. 

Be  it  so  !    on  other  eyes 
Let  the  promised  One  arise. 
While  mine  own  are  curtained  deep 
In  their  last  and  soundest  sleep  : 

Enough  for  me,  what  hope  sublime 

Can  to  her  humble  child  allow  ; 

Enough  !    anticipating  time, 

She  feels  Him  and  adores  Him  now. 


fort,  \M  I  miglit  rttcibc  mir  sight." 

ORD  !    we  sit  and  cry  to  Thee 

Like  the  blind  beside  the  way  : 
Make  our  darkened  souls  to  see 
The  glory  of  Thy  perfect  day  1 
Lord,  rebuke  our  sullen  night. 
And  give  Thyself  unto  our  sight  ! 

Lord  !  we  do  not  ask  to  gaze 

On  our  dim  and  earthly  sun  ; 
But  the  light  that  still  shall  blaze 

When  every  star  its  course  hath  run, 
The  light  that  gilds  Thy  blest  abode. 
The  glory  of  the  Lamb  of  God. 


Ckistmas  il;iir. 

HAT  sudden  blaze  of  song 
n™jy       Spreads  o'er  the  expanse  of  heaven  ? 
*^^  In  waves  of  Hght  it  thrills  along, 
The  angelic  signal  given — 
"  Glory  to  God  !"  from  yonder  central  fire 
Flows  out  the  echoing  lay  beyond  the  starry 
quire  ; 

Like  circles   widening  round 
Upon  a  clear  blue  river, 
Orb  after  orb,  the  wondrous  sound 
Is  echoed  on  for  ever  : 
"  Glory  to  God  on  high,  on  earth  be  peace. 
And  love  towards  men  of  love — salvation  and  release." 

Yet  stay,  before  thou  dare 
To  join  that  festal  throng  ; 
Listen  and  mark  what  gentle  air 
First  stirred  the  tide  of  song  ; 
'Tis  not  "the  Saviour  born  in  David's  home 
To    whom    for    power   and    health    obedient    worlds    should 
come  : — " 


'Tis  not,  "  the  Christ  the  Lord  :" 
With  fixed  adoring  look 
The  choir  of  angels  caught  the  word, 
Nor  yet  their  silence  broke  : 
But  when  they  heard  the  sign,  where  Christ  should  be, 
In  sudden  light  they  shone  and  heavenly  harmony. 

Wrapped  in   His  swaddling  bands 
And  in  His   manger  laid, 
The  hope  and  glory  of  all  lands 
Is  come  to  the  world's  aid; 
No  peaceful  home  upon  His  cradle  smiled, 
Guests  rudely  went  and  came,  where  slept  the   royal  Child. 

But  where  thou  dwellest,  Lord, 
No  other  thought  should  be, 
Once  duly  welcomed  and  adored. 

How  should   I  part  with  Thee? 
Bethlehem  must  lose  Thee  soon,  but  Thou  wilt  grace 
The  single  heart  to  be  Thy  sure  abiding-place. 

Thee,  on  the  bosom  laid 
Of  a  pure  virgin  mind, 
In  cjuiet  ever  and  in  shade. 

Shepherd  and  sage  may  find  ; 
They  who  had  bowed  untaught  to  nature's  sway, 
And  they  who  followed  truth  along  her  star-paved  way. 

The  pastoral  spirits  first 

Approach  Thee,  Babe  divine, 
For  they  in  lowly  thoughts  are  nursed. 
Meet  for  Thy  lowly  shrine  ; 
Sooner  then  they  should  miss  where  Thou  dost  dwell 
Angels  from  heaven  will  stoop  to  guide  them  to  Thy  cell. 

Still,  as  the  day  comes  round 
For  Thee  to  be  revealed, 
By  wakeful  shepherds  Thou  art  found, 
Abiding  in  the  field  ; 
All  through  the  wintry  heaven  and  chill  night  air 
In  music  and  in  light  Thou  dawnest  on  their  prayer. 


CJ/RIsri.l.\   J.  J'A'/C.s- 


8 1 


0\\  faint  not  yc  for  fear — 
Wliat  though  your  wandering  sheep, 
Reckless  of  what  they  sec  and  liear, 
Lie  lost  in  wilful  sleep  ? 
High  heaven,  in  mercy  to  your  sad  annoy. 
Still  greets  you  with  glad  tidings  of  immortal  joy. 

Think  on  the  eternal  home, 
The  Saviour  left  for  you  ; 
Tliink  on  the  Lord  most  holy,  come 
To  dwell  with  hearts  untrue  : 
So  shall  ye  tread  untired   His  pastoral  ways, 
And  in  tlie  darkness  sing  your  carol  of  high  praise. 


%  (iliristmas  Carol. 


r  came  upon  tlic  midnight  clear 

That  glorious  song  of  old. 
From  angels  bending  near  the  eartii 

To  touch  their  harps  of  gold  : 

■'  Peace  on  the  earth — good  will  to  men 
From  heaven's  all  gracious  King  ;" 

The  world  in  solemn  stillness  lay 
To  hear  the  angels  sing. 


Still  through  the  cloven  skies  they  come, 

With  peaceful  wings  unfurled, 
And  still  their  heavenly  music  floats 

O'er  all  the  weary  world. 
Above  its  sad  and  lowly  plains 

Thy  bend  on  heavenly  wing. 
And  ever  o'er  its  Babel  sounds 

The  blessed  angels  sing. 

Yet  with  the  woes  of  sin  and  strife 

The  world  has  suffered  long. 
Beneath  the  angel-strain  have  rolled 

Two  thousand  years  of  wrong  ; 
And  man,  at  war  with  man,  hears  not 

The  love-song  which  they  bring,^ 
Oh  hush  the  noise,  ye  men  of  strife, 

And  hear  the  angels  sing  ! 

And  ye,  beneath  life's  crushing  load 

Whose  forms  are  bending  low, 
Wht)  toil  along  the  climbing  way, 

With  painful  steps  and  slow  ; 
Look  now,  for  glad  and  golden  hours 

Come  swiftly  on  the  wing — 
Oh  rest  beside  the  weary  road 

And  hear  the  angels  sing  ! 

For  lo  !    the  days  are  hastening  on. 

By  prophet-bards  foretold. 
When,  with  the  ever-circling  years. 

Comes  round  the  age  of  gold  ! 
When  peace  shall  over  all  the  earth 

Its  ancient  splendours  fling, 
And  the  whole  world  send  back  the  song 

Which  now  the  angels  sing. 


Ilobins  anil  tbcir  ^ongs. 

OBI,N,  to  the  bare  bough  cHnging, 
What  can  thy  blithe  music  mean  ? 

Like  a  hidden  fount,  thy  singing 
Seems  to  clothe  the  trees  with  green. 

What  warm  nest  for  thee  hath  nature 
Where  thy  soft  red  breast  to  lay  ? 

Sing'st  thou,  little  homeless  creature, 
For  the  crumbs  we  strewed  to-day  ? 

Other  birds  have  fled  this  dun  light, 

Soaring  on  to  regions  fair, 
Singing  in  the  richest  sunlight, 

Singing  in  the  starlit  air  ; 

Hiding  'mid  the  broad-leaved  shadows 
Of  the  southern  woods  at  noon. 

Filling  all  the  flower-starred  meadows 
With  the  melodies  of  June. 

Knowest  thou  the  woods  have  voices. 
Poet-voices,  full  and  clear  ; — 

Strains  at  which  the  heart  rejoices. 
Feeling  the  unspoken  near  ; 


Pouring  music  like  a  river, 

Many-toned  and  deep  and  strong, 

Tones  'midst  which,  like  childhood's,  quiver 
Thy  few  notes  of  simple  song  ? 

Then  the  "crimson-tipped''  thing, 

Like  a  daisy  among  birds. 
With  a  quiet  glee,  did  sing 

Strains  condensed  thus  in  words  : 

"  Well   I  know  the  joyous  mazes 
Of  the  songs  so  full  and  fine  ;  — 

Very  faint  would  be  God's  praises. 
Sounded  by  no  voice  but  mine  I 

"Yet  the  little  child's  sweet  laughter, 

Wakes  it  no  responsive  smile, 
Though  the  poet  singeth  after. 

And  the  angels  all  the  while? 

"  What   I   sing  I   cannot  measure. 

Why   1   sing  I   cannot  say, 
But   I   know  a  well  of  pleasure 

Springeth  in  my  heart  all  day." 

So   I  learned  that  crumbs  arc  able 
Lowly  hearts  to  fill  with   song — 

Crumbs  from  off  that  festal  table 
Lowly  hearts  will  join  ere  long. 

He  who  wintry  hours  hath  given. 

With  the  snow^s  gives  snow-drops  birth  : 

And  while  angels  sing  in  heaven, 
God  hears  robins  sing  on  earth. 

Only  keep  thee  on  the  wing, 

Music  dieth  in  the  dust, 
Nothing  that  but  creeps  can  sing, 

SoarinLT  \\'C  can  sins;  and  trust. 


C//A'/.s'//.l.\'   I.  YRICS. 


«5 


*'  jlliilic  (ilip  face  lo  sliiiu  upon  fin)  .strbaut. 

IIRLST,  wliosc  Klt>i'y  tills  the  skies, 

Christ,  the  true,  the  only  liKht, 
Sun  of  righteousness,  arise, 

Triumph  o'er  the  shades  of  night  ; 
Dayspring  from  on  high,  be  near, 

Daystar,  in  my  heart  appear. 

Dark  and  cheerless  is  the  mom. 

Unaccompanied  by  Thee  ; 
Joyless  is  the  day's  return, 

Till  Thy  mercy's  beams  I  sec, 
Till  they  inward  life  impart, 

Ci\a6.  mv  eves  and  warm  my  heart. 


\'isit  then  this  soul  of  mine, 
Pierce  the  gloom  of  sin  and  g 

Fill  me,  radiancy  divine. 
Scatter  all  my  unbelief. 

More  and  more  Thyself  display. 
Shining  to  the  perfect  day. 


ricf, 


"  (Last  nic  not  m\\  from  Jlin  |.)rc5cncc. 

ORTll   from  the  dark  and  stormy  sky, 
Lord,  to  Thine  altar's  shade  we  fly  ; 
Forth  from  the  world,  its  hope  and  fear. 
Saviour,  we  seek  Thy  shelter  here  : 
Weary  and  weak.  Thy  grace  we  pray  ; 
Turn   not,  O   Lord,  Thy  guests  away  I 

Long  have  we  roamed  in  want  and  pain. 
Long  have  we  sought  Thy  rest  in  \ain  ; 
Wildered  in  doubt,  in  darkness  lost. 
Long  have  our  souls  been  tempest-tost  : 
Low  at  Thy  feet  our  sins  we  \a\  : 
Turn  not,  O   Lord,  'I'liy  guests  away  I 


^^O0liing  Miito  |csits. 

HOU,  who  didst  stoop  below 
|%>      T*^  drain  the  cup  of  woe, — 
V  Wearing  the  form  of  frail  mortality  ; — 
Thy  blessed  labours  done, 
Thy  crown  of  victory  won. 
Hast  passed  from  earth — passed  to  Thy  home  on 
hijjh. 


Man  may  no  longer  trace, 

In  Thy  celestial  face, 
The  image  of  the  bright,  the  viewless  One  ; 

Nor  may  Thy  servants  hear, 

Save  with  faith's  raptured  ear, 
Thy  voice  of  tenderness,  God's  only  Son  ! 

Our  eyes  behold  Thee  not, 

Yet  hast  Thou  not  forgot 

Those  who  have  placed  their  hope,  their  trust  in 

Thee  ; 

Before  Thy  Father's  face 
Thou  hast  prepared  a  place, 
That  where  Thou  art,  there  may  they  also  be. 


It  was  no  path  of  flowers, 

Through  this  dark  world  of  ours. 
Beloved  of  the  Father,  Thou  didst  tread  ; 

And  shall  we,  in  dismay, 

Shrink  from  the  narrow  way. 
When  clouds  and  darkness  are  around  it  spread 


O  Thou,  who  art  our  life. 

Be  with  us  through  the  strife  ! 
Was  not  Thy  head  by  earth's  fierce  tempest  bowed  ? 

Raise  Thou  our  eyes  abo\e 

To  see  a  Father's  love 
Beam,  like  the  bow  of  promise,  through  the  cloud. 


E'en  through  the  awful   L;l(H)in 

Which  hovers  o'er  the  toinl), 
That  hght  of  love  our  guiding  star  shall  be  ; 

Our  spirits  shall  not  dread 

The  shadowy  way  to  tread, 
Friend,  Guardian,  Saxiour,  which  d(Uli   lead  to  Thee. 


^>t  US  Dniii. 

ORl),  what  a  change  witliin  us  one  short  hour 
Spent   in  Thy  presence  will   avail  to  make  ; 
What  burdens  lighten,  what  temptations  slake, 
What  parched  grounds  refresh  as  with  a  shower. 
We  kneel,  and  all  around  us  seems  to  lower  ; 
We  rise,  and  all,  the  distant  and  the  near, 
^'  "1/    Stands  forth  in  sunny  outline,  brave  and  clear  ; 

We  kneel  how  weak,  we  rise  how  full  of  power  : 
Why  therefore  should  we  do  ourselves  this  wrong, 
7    Or  others — that  we  are  not  always  strong, 
--J  That  we  are  ever  overborne  with  care. 
That  we  should  ever  weak  or  heartless  be, 
Anxious  or  troubled,  when  with  us  is  prayer, 
And  joy  and  strength  and  courage,  are  with  Thee. 


"|n|  toitliout  tending." 


O  when  the  morning  shineth, 
(  H)  w  hen  the  moon  is  bright, 

Go  when  the  eve  dechneth, 
Go  in  the  hush  of  night  : 

Go  with  pure  mind  and  feeling, 
Fhng  earthly  thoughts  away, 

And  in  thy  chamber  kneeling, 
Do  thou  in  secret  pray. 


Remember  all  wlio  lo\'C  thee, 

All  who  are  loved  by  thee  ; 
Pray  too  for  those  who  hate  thee. 

If  any  such  there  be  : 
Then  for  thyself  in  meekness 

A  blessing  humbly  claim. 
And  link  with  each  petition 

Thy  great  Redeemer's  name. 


But  if  'tis  e'er  denied  thee 

In  solitude  to  pray, — 
Should  holy  thoughts  come  o'er  thee 

When  friends  are  round  thy  way  ; 
E'en  then  the  silent  breathing 

Of  thy  spirit  raised  above, 
Shall  reach  His  throne  of  glory. 

Who  is  mercy,  truth,  and  love. 

Oh,  not  a  joy  or  blessing, 

With  this  can  we  compare, 
The  power  that  He  hath  given  us 

To  pour  our  souls  in  prayer. 
Wliene'er  thou  pin'st  in  sadness, 

Before  His  footstool  fall  : 
Remember  in  thy  gladness 

His  love  who  gave  thee  all. 


CJIKIS  TIA  X  L  \  -RICS. 


89 


|ust  as  Ji  am. 


UST  as  I  am — without  one  plea, 
But  that  thy  blood  was  shed  for  me, 
And  that  Thou    bid'st  mc  come  to  Thee — 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as  I  am — and  waiting  not 
To  rid  my  soul  of  one  dark  blot ; 
To  Thee  whose  blood  can  cleanse  each  spot- 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 


Just  as  I  am — though  tossed  about 
-.        With  many  a  conflict,  many  a  doubt, 
Fightings  within  and  fears  without — 
O   Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as  I  am — poor,  wretched,  blind  ; 
Sight,  riches,  healing  of  the  mind, 
Yea  all  I  need,  in  Thee  to  find — 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as   I  am — Thou  wilt  receive. 
Wilt  welcome,  pardon,  cleanse,  relieve 
Because  Thy  promise  1  believe — 
O  Lamb  of  God,  I  come. 

Just  as  I  am — Thy  love   unknown 
Has  broken  every  barrier  down  ; 
Now  to  be  Thine,  yea.  Thine  alone — 
O  Lamb  of  God,  1  come. 


Mtarcr  Some. 


NE  sweetly  solemn  thought 
Comes  to  me  o'er  and  o'er — 
I'm  nearer  home  to-day, 
Than  I  ever  have  been  before. 


Nearer  my  Father's  house, 

Where  the  many  mansions  be  ; 

Nearer  the  great  white  throne  ; 
Nearer  the  crystal  sea — 

Nearer  the  bound  of  life, 

Where  we  lay  our  burdens  down 
Nearer  leaving  the  cross  ; 

Nearer  gaining  the  crown. 


But  lying  darkly  between, 

Winding  down  through  the  night, 
Is  the  dim  and  unknown  stream 

That  leads  at  last  to  the  light. 

Closer,  closer,  my  feet 

Come  to  that  dark  abysm  ; 

Closer  death  to  my  lips 
Presses  the  awful  chrysm. 

Saviour,  perfect  my  trust. 

Strengthen  the  might  of  my  faith  ; 
Let  me  feel  as  I  would  when  I  stand 

On  the  rock  of  the  shore  of  death. 


Feel  as   I  would  when  my  feet 
Are  slipping  o'er  the  brink  ; 

For  it  may  be,  I'm  nearer  home, 
Nearer  now  than   I  think. 


CJIKIS  riA  X  L  \  RICS. 


9' 


^  ilf:illi-l)rb  YiDiiin. 


-^:^^„^^ 


^jU 


[\  would  see  Jesus'' — for  the  shadows  lengthen 
I        Across  this  httlc  landscape  of  our  life  ; 

''  We  would  see  Jesus," — our  weak  faith  to  strengthen 
For  the  last  weariness — the  final  strife. 

"We  would  sec  Jesus"' — for  life's  hand  hath  rested 
With  its  dark  touch  upon  both  heart  and  brow  I 

And  though  our  souls  have  manj-  a  billow  breasted, 
Others  arc  rising  in  the  distance  now. 


"We  would  see  Jesus" — the  great  rock  foundation 
'i^       Whereon  our  feet  were  set  by  sovereign  grace  ; 
Not  life,  nor  death,  with  all  their  agitation, 
Shall  thence  remove  us,  if  we  see  His  face. 

"We  would  see  Jesus" — other  lights  are  paling, 
Which  for  long  years  we  have  rejoiced  to  see  ; 

The  blessings  of  our  pilgrimage  are  failing, 

We  would  not  mourn  them,  for  we  go  to  Thee. 

"We  would  see  Jesus" — yet  the  spirit  lingers 
Round  the  dear  objects  it  has  loved  so  long  ; 

And  earth  to  earth  can  scarce  unclose  its  fingers, 
Our  love  to  Thee  makes  not  this  love  less  strong. 

"We  would  see  Jesus" — sense  is  all  too  blinding, 
And  heaven  appears  too  dim — too  far  away  ; 

We  would  see  Thee,  to  gain  a  sweet  reminding, 
That  Thou  hast  promised  our  great  debt  to  pay. 


"We  would  see  Jesus" — this  is  all  we're  needing; 

Strength,  joy,  and  willingness  come  with  the  sight 
"We  would  see  Jesus" — dying,  risen,  pleading; 

Then  welcome  day,  and  farewell  mortal  night. 


^t  ^lecp  of  Jcatl]. 

ALM  on  the  bosom  of  Thy  God, 

Fair  spirit,  rest  thee  now  ! 
E'en  while  with  us  thy  footstep  trod, 

His  seal  was  on  thy  brow. 

.^   Dust,  to  its  narrow  house  beneath  ! 
Soul,  to  its  place  on  high  ! 
^-1     They  who  have  seen  thy  look  in  death 
No  more  may  fear  to  die. 

Lone  are  the  paths,  and  sad  the  bowers, 
Whence  thy  sweet  smile  is  gone  ; 
,        But  oh  !    a  brighter  home  than  ours. 
In  heaven  is  now  thine  own. 


fcal)cn. 

H  talk  to  me  of  heaven,  I   lo\e 
To  hear  about  my  home  above. 
For  there  doth  many  a  loved  one  dwell, 
In  light  and  joy  ineffable. 
Oh  tell  me  how  they  shine  and  sing. 
While  every  harp  rings  echoing  ; 
While  every  glad  and  tearless  eye 
.^^^        Beams  like  the  bright  sun  gloriously. 
/\     Tell  me  of  that  celestial  calm 
^l\    If  Each  face  in  glory  weareth, 
'^  m    Tell  me  of  that  victorious  palm 
Each  hand  in  glory  bcareth. 


C7/A'/.s-/7./.\'    I.  VRICS.  93 


O  lia])])y,  happy  country,  where 

Tlicrc  enters  not  a  sin, 

And  death,  who  keeps  the  portals  fair, 

May  never  once  come  in  ; 

No  grief  can  change  their  day  to  niglit, 

The  darkness  of  that  hind  is  hght, 

Sorrow  and  sighing  God  has  sent 

Far  thence  to  endless  banishment. 

And  ne\er  more  may  one  dark  tear 

Bedim  their  burning  eyes. 

For  every  one  they   shed  while  here. 

In  fearful  agonies, 

Glitters  a  bright  and  dazzling  gem 

In  their  immortal  diadem. 

O  lovely  blooming  country,  there 

Flourishes  all  that  we  deem  fair. 

Yor  though  no  fields  nor  forests  green, 

Nor  bowery  gardens  there  are  seen. 

Nor  perfumes  load  the  breeze, 

Nor  hears  the  ear  material  sound. 

Yet  joys  at  God's  right  hand  are  found, 

The  archetypes  of  these. 

This  is  the  home,  the  land  of  birlli 
Of  all  we  highest  prize  on  earth  ; 
The  storms  that  rack  this  world  beneath 
Shall  there  for  ever  cease, 
The  only  air  the  blessed  breathe 
Is  purity  and  peace. 
Oh  may  heaven's  gate  unclose  to  me, 
Oh  may  I  too  its  glories  see, 
And  my  faint,  fighting  spirit  stand 
Within  that  happy,  happy  land. 


eX5"^ 


2it  f  onic  ill  |)cal)tn. 


OR  ever  with  the  Lord  !" 

Amen  ;    so  let  it  be  ; 
Life  from  the  dead  is  in  that 
word, 
'Tis  immortahty. 

[ere  in  the  body  pent, 
Absent  from  Him  I  roam, 
Yet  nightly  pitch  my  moving  tent 
A  day's  march  nearer  home. 

My  Father's  house  on  high, 
Home  of  my  soul,  how  near 

At  times  to  faith's  far  seeing  eye. 
Thy  golden  gates  appear  ! 

Ah  !    then  my  spirit  faints 
To  reach  the  land  I  love. 

The  bright  inheritance  of  saints, 
Jerusalem  above. 

Yet  clouds  will  intervene. 
And  all  my  prospect  flies  ! 

Like  Noah's  dove,  I  flit  between 
Rough  seas  and  storniv  skies. 


Anon  the  clouds  dispart, 

The  winds  and  waters  cease, 

While   sweetly   o'er   my   gladdened 
heart 
Expands  the  bow  of  peace. 

Beneath  its  glowing  arch, 
Along  the  hallowed  ground, 

I  see  cherubic  armies  march, 
A  camp  of  fire  around. 

I   hear  at  morn  and  even, 
At  noon  and  midnight  hour. 

The  choral  harmonies  of  heaven 
Earth's  Babel  tongues  o'crpower. 

Then,  then  1  feel  that  He, 

(Remembered  or  forgot,) 
The  Lord  is  never  far  from  me, 

Though  I  perceive  Him  not. 

In  darkness  as  in  light. 

Hidden  alike  from  view, 
I  sleep,  I  wake,  as  in  His  sight 

Who  looks  all  nature  through. 


C///as  JJ.IX    I.  VRICS 


95 


From  the  dim  hour  of  birth. 
Through  every  changing  state 

Of  mortal  pilgrimage  on  earth, 
Till  its  appointed  date. 

All  that  I  am,  have  been, 

All  that  I  yet  may  be, 
He  sees  at  once,  as  He  hath  seen, 

And  shall  for  ever  see. 

How  can  I  meet  His  eyes.'' 
Mine  on  the  cross  I  cast. 

And  own  my  life  a  Saviour's  prize, 
Mercy  from  first  to  last. 

"  For  ever  with  the  Lord  !" 

Father,  if  'tis  Thy  will. 
The  promise  of  that  faithful  word, 

E'en  here  to  me  fulfil. 

Be  thou  at  my  right  hand. 

Then  can  I  never  fail ; 
Uphold  Thou  me,  and  I  shall  stand 

Fight,  and  I  must  prevail. 

So  when  my  latest  breath 
Shall  rend  the  veil  in  twain, 

By  death  I  shall  escape  from  death, 
And  life  eternal  gain. 


Knowing  as  I  am  known. 

How  shall  1  love  that  word. 
And  oft  repeat  before  the  throne, 

"  For  ever  with  the  Lord." 

Then,  though  the  soul  enjoy 
Communion  high  and  sweet. 

While  worms  this  body  must  destroy. 
Both  shall  in  glory  meet. 

The  trump  of  final  doom 

Will  speak  the  self-same  word. 

And  heaven's  voice  thunder  through 
the  tomb, 
"  For  ever  with  the  Lord." 

The  tomb  shall  echo  deep 

That  death-awakening  sound  ; 

The  saints  shall  hear  it  in  their  sleep. 
And  answer  from  the  ground. 

Then,  upward  as  they  fly. 

That  resurrection-word 
Shall  be  their  shout  of  victory, 

"■  For  ever  with  the  Lord." 

That  resurrection-word. 

That  shout  of  victory, 
Once  more,  "  For  ever  with  the  Lord  I " 

Amen,  so  let  it  be  I 


u  s 


|e  is  not  ^t:i^,  M  slccpttlr." 


The  baby  wept ; 
The  mother  took  it  from  the  nurse's  arms, 
And  soothed  its  grief,  and  stilled  its  vain  alarms, 

And  baby  slept. 

Again  it  weeps  ; 
And  God  doth  take  it  from  the  mother's  arms. 
From  present  pain,  and  future  unknown  harms. 

And  baby  sleeps. 


iis  Serbants  shall  scrljc  Ijiiii. 


E  seek  that  land  whose  light  e'en  now, 
Though  dim  and  far,  is  all  our  gladness. 
Whose  hope,  in  storms,  is  God's  own  bow  ; 
Whose  peace,  the  rest  from  care  and  woe : 
Whose  love,  our  joy  in  sadness. 

There  day  and  night  Thy  happy  saints 
In  ceaseless  work  find  rest  unending. 
Where  in  Thy  strength  theirs  never  faints, 
Where  tears  are  dried,  and  hushed  complaints, 
All  in  one  worship  bending. 

The  service  here  we  strive  to  pay 

By  weakness  marred,  by  darkness  clouded  ; 

Strong  in  Thy  strength,  bright  with  Thy  day. 

We  there  shall  offer  perfectly. 
In  light  and  love  unshrouded. 


CHRISTIAN  LYRICS. 


97 


(^iir  licarts,  whose  love  has  taught  tliem  this, 
Their  wants  to  feel,  their  own   unmcetncss. 
Shall  learn,  in  that  ne'er  ending  bliss, 
To  rise  towards  thine  own  perfectness, 
Thine  infinite  completeness. 

The  songs,  here  drowned  in  the  moan 

Of  earth's  unrest,  which  ceaseth  never, 
Shall  rise,  in  strains  of  joy  unknown. 
To  Him  who  sitteth  on  the  throne, 
And  to  the  Lamb  for  ever. 

And  for  our  feet,  to  earth  which  cling. 
Feeble  and  slow,  too  oft  unwilling. 

Thou  there  shalt  give  an  angel's  wing 

To  serve,  as  angels  do,  our  King, 
Thy  high  behests  fulfilling. 

So  let  us  strive,  with  earnest  soul. 

Thy  work  to  do,  though  small  the  measure, 
Knowing  it  part  of  one  great  whole, 
All  tending  to  our  highest   goal. 

Thy  perfect  will  and   pleasure. 


^\\)i  thq  shall  see  |)is  fate. 

HAT  must  it  be  to  dwell  above, 
At  God's  right  hand,  where  Jesus  reigns, 
Since  the  sweet  earnest  of  His  love 
O'erwhelms  us  on  these  dreary  plains  ! 
No  heart  can  think,  no  tongue  explain, 
What  bliss  it  is  with  Christ  to  reign. 

When  sin  no  more  obstructs  our  sight, 
When  sorrow  pains  our  heart  no  more, 
How  shall  we  view  the  Prince  of  Light, 
And  all  His  works  of  grace  explore  ! 
What  heights  and  depths  of  love  divine 
Will  there  through  endless  ages  shine  I 

Well,  He  has  fixed  the  happy  day 
W^hen  the  last  tears  will  wet  our  eyes, 
And  God  shall  wipe  those  tears  away, 
And  fill  us  with  divine  surprise 
To  hear  His  voice,  and  see  His  face, 
And  feel  His  infinite  embrace  ! 

This  is  the  heaven   I   long  to  know  ; 
For  this  with  patience  I  would  wait. 
Till,  weaned  from  earth  and  all  below, 
I  mount  to  my  celestial  seat. 
And  wave  my  palm,  and  wear  my  crown. 
And,  with  the  elders,  cast  them   down. 


^c!ll)o  shall  asccni)  lo  the  holii  plate  / 


HO  shall  ascend  to  the  holy  place, 
And  stand  on  the  holy  hill? 

Who  shall  the  boundless  realms  of  space 
With  shouts  of  rapture  thrill  ? 

Hallelujah  !     Hallelujah  ! 

For  the  Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth ! 

The  servants  of  the  Lord  are  they, 

The  pure  in  heart  and  hand, 
For  whom  the  eternal  bars  give  way, 
■     The  eternal  gates  expand  ! 

Hallelujah  I    Sec. 

Not  to  the  noble,  not  to  the  strong, 
To  the  wealthy  or  the  wise, 

Is  given  a  part  in  that  angel-song. 
That  music  of  the  skies  ; 

Hallelujah  !     &c. 

Ikit  those  who,  in  humljle  and  holy  fear, 

With  child-like  faith  and  love. 
Have  served   the    Lord   as  their   Master 
here. 
Shall  praise  their  Lord  above. 

Hallelujah  !     &c. 

And  chiefly  those  who  in  youth  to   Him 
Their  morn  of  life  have  given, 
j    With  Cherubim  and  Seraphim, 
And  all  the  host  of  heaven. 

Hallelujah  !    &c. 

Shall  stand  in   robes  of  purest  white  ; 

And  to  the  Lamb  shall  raise 
The  song  that  rests  not  day  or  night. 

The  cternitv  of  praise. 

Hallelujah  !    &c. 


%\n  diW)  of  mx  §Qt 

LORIOUS  things  of  thee  arc  spoken, 

Zion,  city  of  our  God  ! 
He  whose  word  cannot  be  broken, 

Formed  thee  for,  His  own  abode  : 
On  the  Rock  of  Ages  founded. 

What  can  shake  thy  sure  repose  ? 
With  salvation's  wall  surrounded, 

Thou  may'st  smile  at  all  thy  foes. 

See  !    the  streams  of  living  waters, 

Springing  from  eternal  love, 
Well  supply  thy  sons  and  daughters, 

And  all  fear  of  want  remove  : 
Who  can  faint  while  such  a  river 

Ever  flows,  their  thirst  to  assuage  ? 
Grace  which,  like  the  Lord,  the  Giver, 

Never  fails  from  age  to  age. 

Round  each  habitation  hovering, 

See  the  cloud  and  fire  appear  ! 
For  a  glory  and  a  covering. 

Showing  that  the  Lord  is  near  ; 
Thus  deriving  from  their  banner. 

Light  by  night  and  shade  by  day, 
Safe  they  feed  upon  the  manna 

Which  He  gives  them  when  they  pray. 


C//RISJJ.IX  I.  )-RICS. 


Blest  inhabitants  of  Zion, 

Washed  in  the  Redeemer's  blood  ! 
Jesus,  whom  their  souls  rely  on, 

Makes  them  kings  and  priests  to  (iod 
'Tis  His  love  His  people  raises 

Over  self  to  reign  as  kings  ; 
And,  as  priests,  his  solemn  praises 

Each  for  a  thank-offering  brings. 

Saviour,  if  of  Zion's  city 

I  through  grace  a  member  am  ; 
Let  the  world  deride  or  pity, 

I  will  glory  in  Thy  name  : 
Fading  is  the  worldling's  pleasure. 

All  his  boasted  pomp  and  show  ; 
Solid  joys  and  lasting  treasure. 

None  but  Zion's  children  know. 


|iOugl)t  iuiti]  w  price. 

AVI  OUR  of  men,  and  Lord  of  love 
How  sweet  Thy  gracious  name  ! 

With  joy  that  errand  we  review 
On  which  Thy  mercy  came. 

While  all  Thine  own  angelic  bands 
Stood  waiting  on  the  wing. 

Charmed  with  the  honour  to  obey 
The  word  of  such  a  King, — 

For  us  mean,  wretched,  sinful  men. 
Thou  laidst  that  glory  by, 

First  in  our  mortal  flesh  to  serve, 
Then  in  that  flesh  to  die. 


Bought  with  Thy  service  and  Tliy  blood. 
We  doubly,  Lord,  are  Thine  ; 

To  Thee  our  lives  we  would  devote. 
To  Thee  our  death  resign. 


,e  Ija^  nut  Mm  to  lau  f  is  Ijtiit 

IRDS  have  their  quiet  nest, 

Foxes  their  holes,  and  man  his  peaceful  bed  ; 
All  creatures  have  their  rest, 

But  Jesus  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 

Winds  have  their  hour  of  calm. 
And  waves,  to  slumber  on  the  voiceless  deep  : 

Eve  hath  its  breath  of  balm, 
To  hush  all  senses  and  all  sounds  to  sleep. 

The  wild  deer  hath  its  lair. 
The  homeward  flock  the  shelter  of  their  shed  ; 

All  have  their  rest  from  care, — 
But  Jesus  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 

And  yet  He  came  to  give 
The  weary  and  the  heavy-laden  rest  ; 

To  bid  the  sinner  live. 
And  soothe  my  griefs  to  slumber  on   His  breast. 

What  then  am  1,  my  God, 
Permitted  thus  the  paths  of  peace  to  tread  ? 

Peace,  purchased  by  the  blood 
Of  Him  who  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head. 

I,  who  once  made  Him  grieve, 
I,  who  once  made  His  gentle  spirit  mourn  ; 

Whose  hand  essayed  to  weave 
For  His  meek  brow  the  cruel  crown  of  thorn  :— 


O  why  sliould   I  have  peace  ? 
Why  !    but  for  that  unchanged,  undying  love, 

Which  would  not,  could  not  cease, 
Until  it  made  me  heir  of  joys  above. 

Yes,  but  for  pardoning  grace, 
I  feel  I  never  should  in  glory  sec 

The  brightness  of  that  face, 
That  once  was  pale  and  agonized  for  me. 

Let  the  birds  seek  their  nest, 
P'oxes  their  holes,  and  man  his  peaceful  Ijcd  : 

Come,  Saviour,  in  my  breast 
Deign  to  repose  Thine  oft-rejected  head  I 

On  earth  Thou  lo\est  best 
To  dwell  in  humble  souls  that  mourn  for  sin  ? 

O  come  and  take  Thy  rest. 
This  broken,  bleeding,  contrite  heart  within. 


f  k  |ligl)lco«s  Jibbocatf. 

:-Y//'^'rHER,   I  bring  this  worthless  child  to  Thee, 
iM^ To  claim  Thy  pardon,  once,  yet  once  again. 
^G    ^Receive  him  at  my  hand,  for  he  is  mine. 
He  is  a  worthless  child  ;  he  owns  his  fault ; 
Look  not  on  him,  he  will  not  bear  the  glance  ; 
Look  but  on  me,  I'll  hide  his  filthy  garments. 
He  pleads  not  for  himself,  he  dares  not  plead  : 
His  cause  is  mine,  I  am  his  Intercessor, 
liy  that  unchanged,  unchanging  love  of  Thine, 
By  each  pure  drop  of  blood  I  shed  for  him, 
By  all  the  sorrows  graven  on  my  soul. 


By  every  wound  I  bear,   I   claim  it  true, 

Father  divine  !    I  would  not  have  him  lost  ; 

He  is  a  worthless  child,  but  he  is  mine  ! 

Sin  hath  destroyed  him — sin  hath  died  in  me  ; 

Satan  hath  bound  him — Satan  is  my  slave  ; 

Death  hath  desired  him — I  have  conquered  death. 

My  Father,  hear  him  now,  not  him,  but  me  ! 

I  would  not  have  him  lost  for  all  the  worlds 

Which  Thou  hast  long  created  for  my  glory, 

Because  he  is  a  poor,  a  worthless   child. 

And  all  his  every  hope  on  me  it  lies, 

I  know  my  children,  and  I  know  him  mine. 

By  all  the  sighs  he  pours  o'er  outcast  Israel, 

By  all  the  prayers  he  breathes  o'er  Judah's  sins, 

I  know  him  by  the  sign  my  children  bear, 

That  trusting  love,  by  which  he  cleaves  to  me. 

I  could  not  bear  to  see  him  cast  away, 

Vile  as  he  is  !    the  weakest  of  my  flock, 

The  one  that  grieves  me  most  and  loves  me  least. 

Yes  !    though  his  sins  dim  every  spark  of  love, 

1  measure  not  my  love  by  his  returns, 

And  though  the  stripes   I   send  to  bring  him  home 

Should  seem  to  drive  him  further  from  my  arms, 

Still  he  is  mine  !     I  lured  him  from  the  world  ; 

He  has  no  right,  no  home,  but  in  my  love. 

Though  earth  and  hell  combined  against  him  rise. 

I'm  bound  to  rescue  him,  for  we  are  one. 

O  sinner  !    what  an  Advocate  is  thine  ; 
Methinks  I  see  Him  lead  the  captive  in, 
Poor,  sorrowful,  ashamed,  trembling  with  fear, 
Shrinking  behind  his  Lord,  accused,  condemned. 
Well  pleased  to  hide  the  form  himself  abhors 
With  that  all  spotless  garment  of  his  Friend. 
But  look  !    some  secret  impulse  lifts  his  eye. 
To  see  if  love  be  mingled  now  with  wrath, 
If  mercy  beams  upon  the  Father's  face, 
Poor  sinner  !    read  thy  welcome  in  that  smile 
And  hear  the  Father's  word  to   Him  for  thee. 
''Take  thy  poor  worthless  child!     I   have  forgiven." 


"Jis  niiinn  as  toiuhcb  iDcrc  iiiaiic  pcrfcttln  iDlrolc." 

AVIOUR  divine,  we  bend  before  Thee  lowly, 
Sadly  we  bring  into  Thy  presence  holy 

Our  hearts,  so  sin  oppressed  ; 
Touching  the  border  of  Thy  garment  pure, 
Whose  touch  all  sorrow  and  all  sin  can  cure, 
We  ask  Thee  for  Thy  rest. 

And  in  so  stooping,  higher  shall  we   reach 
Than  e'en  the  highest  point  our  hearts  can  teach, 

Even,  dear  Lord,  to  Thee, 
Whose  lowliness  hath  raised  us  to  such  height, 
That  we  may  dare  to  touch  Thy  garment  white, 

Of  matchless  purity. 

Thy  gentleness,  O  Christ,  hath  made  us  great, 
Thy  uncrowned  majesty  our  lost  estate 

Redeemed  by  bitter  woe  ; 
And  though  our  trembling  fingers  feebly  hold. 
Yea,  scarcely  touch  Thy  holy  garment's  fold, 

Thou  wilt  not  let  us  go. 

Thy  love,  the  source  of  ours,  shall  still  abide, 
Shall  draw  us,  wandering,  closer  to  Thy  side. 

And  make  us  wholly  pure  ; 
Led  ever  higher  by  its  light  divine. 
Wrapped  in  its  heavenly  beauty  shall  we  shine. 

In  love  and  rest  secure. 


**  (trcatc  in  mc  i\  tlmx  \mxV' 

H  for  a  heart  to  praise  my  God, 
A  heart  from  sin  set  free  ; 
A  heart  that's  sprinkled  with  the  blood 
So  freely  shed  for  me  I 

A  heart  resigned,  submissive,  meek, 
My  dear  Redeemer's  throne  : 

Where  only  Christ  is  heard  to  speak, 
Where  Jesus  reigns  alone  ! 

A  lowly  and  believing  heart, 

Abhorring  every  sin  ; 
Which  neither  life  nor  death  can  part 

From  Him  that  dwells  within. 

A  heart  in  every  thought  renewed. 
And  filled  with  love  divine  ; 

Perfect  and  right,  and  pure  and  good  ; 
A  copy.  Lord,  of  Thine. 

Thy  nature,  gracious  Lord,  impart, 

Come  cjuickly  from  above  : 
Write  Thy  new  name  upon  my  heart. 

Thy  new,  best  name  of  LovE. 


"  Jicncto  It  rigbt  s^trit  Mtlnii  mc' 

RACIOUS  Spirit,  dwell  with  me, 
I  myself  would  gracious  be  ; 
And  with  words  that  help  and  heal. 
Would  Thy  life  in  mine  reveal ; 
And  with  actions  bold  and  meek. 
Would  for  Christ,  my  Saviour,  speak. 

Truthful  Spirit,  dwell  with  me, 
I  myself  would  truthful  be  ; 
And  with  wisdom  kind  and  clear, 
Let  Thy  life  in  mine  appear. 
And  with  actions  brotherly, 
Speak  my  Lord's  sincerity. 


CJIRIS7/.1  X   /.  )-A'/C.s. 


107 


Tender  Spirit,  dwell  with  me, 
I  myself  would  tender  be  ; 
Shut  my  heart  up  like  a  flower 
At  temptation's  darksome  hour  ; 
Open  it  when  shines  the  sun, 
And  his  love  by  fragrance  own. 

Silent  Spirit,  dwell  with  me, 

I  myself  would  quiet  be, 

Quiet  as  the  growing  blade 

That  through  earth  its  way  has  made, 

Silently,  like  morning  light, 

Putting  mists  and  chills  to  flight. 

Mighty  Spirit,  dwell  with  me, 
I  myself  would  mighty  be  ; 
Mighty  so  as  to  prevail 
Where,  unaided,  man  must  fail  ; 
Ever  by  a  mighty  hope, 
Pressing  on  and  bearing  up. 

Holy  Spirit,  dwell  with  me, 

I  myself  would  holy  be  ; 

Separate  from  sin,   I   would 

Choose  and  cherish  all  things  good. 

And  whatever  I  can  be, 

Give  to  Him,  who  gave  me  Thee. 


"  ^^obcst  thou  Pc" 

0\'EST  thou  Me?"  I  hear  my  Saviour  say: 

Would  that  my  heart  had  power  to  answer,  "  Yea, 
Thou  knowest  all  things.  Lord,  in  heaven  above 
And  earth  beneath  ;    Thou  knowest  that  I  love." 

Rut  'tis  not  so  ;  in  word,  in  deed,  in  thought, 
I   do  not,  cannot,  love  thee  as   I   ought  ; 
Thy  love  must  give  that  power.  Thy  love  alone  ; 
There's  nothing  worthy  of  Thee  but  Thine  own  ; 
Lord,  with  the  Love  wherewith  Thou  lovest  me. 
Reflected  on  Thyself,  I  would  love  Thee. 


"  J]ik  nic  uni)cr  tire  ^liiMxi  of  ®I^i)  iDingi 

FILL  nigh  me,  O  my  Saviour,  stand. 
And  guard  in  fierce  temptation's  hour  ; 
Hide  in  the  hollow  of  Thy  hand  ; 
Show  forth  in  me  Thy  saving  power  : 
Still  be  Thine  arm  my  sure  defence, 
Nor  earth  nor  hell  shall  pluck  me  thence. 

In  suffering  be  Thy  love  ni)-  peace  ! 
In  weakness  bo  Thy  lo\  e  my  power  I 
And  when  the  storms  of  life  shall  cease, 
Jesus,  in  that  important  hour. 
In  death,  as  life,  be  Thou  my  guide, 
And  save  me,  who  for  me  hast  died. 


%\n  Viousc  of  6oi). 


'Surely  the  Lord  is  in  tliis  place,  and  I  ktie^u  it  not.' 
Gen.  xxviii.  ro. 


NCE  slow  and  sad  the  evening  fell 
'On  desert  path,  on  lonely  dell, 
As,  sad  and  desolate, 
One  laid  him  down  to  sleep  alone. 
His  couch  the  sand,  his  pillow  stone. 
The  morning-tide  to  wait. 


But  gleamed  before  his  dazzled  sight 
A  radiance  more  than  morning  light. 

From  opened  portals  given  ; 
And  on  his  charmed  ear  there  rung 
A  sound  more  sweet  than  matin   song — 

The  choral  hymns  of  heaven. 

He  saw  the  glory  of  that  place 
Whose  light  is  God  the  Saviour's  face. 

He  saw  its  dwellers  fair  ; 
And  learnt  that — desolate,  alone, 
A  wanderer  from  his  Father's  home, — 

God's  presence  still  was  there. 

So  we,  (though  often  worn,  oppressed, 
We  wander,  seeking  home  and  rest,) 

In  sorrow's  darkest  hour. 
May  see,  as  Jacob  saw  of  old, 
God's  sunbeams,  bright  and  manifold. 

The  shades  of  night  o'crpower. 


For  not  in  temple  hoar  alone, 

In  cloistered  shade,  'neath  sculptured  stone, 

Stands  now  God's  house  below  ; 
But  wheresoe'er  His  radiance  bright 
Gleams  on  our  darkness  and  'tis  light. 
His  presence  we  may  know. 

Transfigured  in  His  glory  fair 

The  whole  earth  stands,  one  house  of  prayer, 

One  ante-room  of  heaven  ; 
For  surely,  though  we  know  it  not, 
God's  presence  is  in  every  spot, 

To  those  who  seek  it  given. 

Then  let  us  strive,  and  work,  and  wait. 
As  those  who  see  that  opened  gate, 

That  glory  in  our  night  ; 
So  that  at  last,  through  Christ  the  way, 
We  too  may  tread  that  land  of  day, 

Where  God,  the  Lord,  is  light. 


^-'^ 


ClfRIsr/.lX  L  YRICS. 


P;ir;ipl)r;i5c  on  psalm  Ivvvib. 

LEASANT  arc  Thy  courts  above, 
In  the  land  of  light  and  love  ; 
Pleasant  are  Thy  courts  below 
In  this  land  of  sin  and  woe, 
Oh,  my  spirit  longs  and  faints 
For  the  converse  of  Thy  saints  ; 
For  the  brightness  of  Thy  face. 
King  of  Glory,  God  of  grace. 

Happy  birds  that  sing  and  fly 
\i\    Round  Thine  altars,  O  most  High  I 
I  11     Happier  souls  that  find  a  rest 
y     In  a  heavenly  Father's  breast  ! 
<       Like  the  wandering  dove  that  found 
No  repose  on  earth  around. 
They  can  to  their  ark  repair. 
And  enjoy  it  ever  there. 

Happy  souls,  their  praises  flow 

Ever  in  this  vale  of  woe  ; 

Waters  in  the  desert  rise, 

JManna  feeds  them  from  the  skies  ; 

On  they  go  from  strength  to  strength, 

Till  they  reach  Thy  throne  at  length, 

At  Thy  feet  adoring  fall 

Who  hast  led  them  safe  through  all. 


Lord,  be  mine  this  prize  to  win. 
Guide  me  through  a  world  of  sin. 
Keep  me  by  Thy  saving  grace. 
Give  me  at  Thy  side  a  place. 
Sun  and  shield  alike  Thou  art ; 
Guide  and  guard  my  erring  heart  : 
Grace  and  glory  flow  from  Thee  ; 
Shower,  oh  shower  them.  Lord,  on  me. 


f  jie  6nh'$  iYmw. 


E  blue  Egean's  countless  waves  in  Sabbath  sunlight  smiled, 
l[  vs  And  murmuring  washed  the  rocky  shore  of  that  lone  island  wild  ; 
\^.    Where  unto  him,  "  whom  Jesus  loved,"  such  views  sublime  were 

given, 
'^   That  e'en  the  land  of   exile  shone  "the  very  gate  of  heaven  I" 

He  saw  the   radiant  form  of  Him,  upon  whose   sorrowing  breast. 
At  the  last  supper's  solemn  feast,  his  weary  head  found  rest ; 
One  "  like  unto  the  Son  of  man,"  all  glorious  to  behold. 
Arrayed  in  robes  of  dazzling  light,  and  girt  with  purest  gold. 

His  head  and  hair  were  white  as  wool ;    His  eyes  a  fiery  flame. 
Not  tearful  now  as  when  He  trod  this  world  of  sin  and  shame  ; 
His   countenance  was  as  the  sun.  His  voice  was  as  the  sound 
Of  many  waters,  murmuring  deep  in   harmony  profound. 

But  when  before  His  feet,  as  dead,  the  loved  disciple  fell, 
How  gently  deigned  the  Prince  of  life  His  servant's  fears  to  quell ! 
And  give  him  strength  to  see  his  face,  whom  highest  heavens  adore. 
The  Lord,  who  "liveth,  and  was  dead,"  and  lives  for  evermore! 


oh  I  tliLMi  upon  his  rdptuiecl  gaze  what  floods  of  glory   streamed  ; 
He  saw  the  land  of  love  and  light — the  home  of  the  redeemed  ; 
He  stood  by  life's  resplendent  stream,  whose  tide  in  music  rolled 
Throughout  the  holy  city's  length  among  its  streets  of  gold. 

He  heard  the  mighty  new-made  song,  to  angel-hosts  unknown, 
Go  up  like  incense  unto  Him  that  sat  upon  the  throne  ; 
And  the  pure  strains  by  seraphs  sung  in  that  celestial  sphere, 
In  sweetest  cadence  rose  and  fell  upon  his  listening  ear. 

Within  the  flashing  walls  of  heaven,  with  jewelled  splendour  bright. 
He  saw  the  countless  multitudes  arrayed  in  saintly  white  : 
He  marked  them  with  their  waving  palms,  in  worship  bending  low 
Before  the  feet  of  Him  who  smiled  beneath  the  emerald  bow. 

The  pearly  gates,  the  crystal  sea,  the  universal  hymn, 
The  sun-bright  forms,  the  brilliant  eyes,  which  tears  may  never  dim. 
The  healing  trees,  the  fadeless  flowers,  the  harpings  of  the  blest, 
In  splendid  vision  to  his  soul  revealed  the   promised  rest. 

Long  since  that  aged  saint  hath  reached  the  fair  celestial  shore. 
And  gained  the  martyr's  crown,  for  he  the  martyr's  suffering  bore  ; 
Long  since  his  happy  feet  have  stood  within  his  Father's  home, 
Yet  .(■//// the  mighty  voice  he  heard,  with  ceaseless  cry,  saith,  "Cornel" 

And  life's  bright  fountain  springeth  yet,  as  free,  and  fresh  and  fair. 
As  when  in  Patmos'  dreary  isle  it  cheered  the  exile  there  ! 
And  hark  !    the  Spirit  and  the  Bride  repeat  in  mercy  still, 
That  he  who  is  athirst  may  drink — yea,  whosoe'Dcr  will! 

O  blessed  voices  I    be  it  ours  your  loving  call  to  hear 
And  so  obey  that  when,  at  last,  from  yonder  radiant  sphere 
The  heavenly  bridegroom  shall  descend  to  claim   His  own  again, 
We  may  lift  up  our  heads  and  say,  "Lord,  even  so,  Amen  I" 


$^ill)batll  '^^lorninci. 


GHT  of  light,  enlighten  me 
Now  anew  the  day  is  dawn- 
ing ; 
Sunof  grace, the  shadowsflee, 
Brighten  Thou  my  sabbath 
morning, 
With  thy  joyous  sunshine  blest, 
Happy  is  my  day  of  rest. 

Fount  of  all  our  joy  and  peace, 
To  Thy  living  waters  lead  me, 

Thou  from  earth  my  soul  release, 
And  with  grace  and  mercy  feed  me  ; 

Bless  Thy  word  that  it  may  prove 

Rich  in  fruits  that  Thou  dost  love. 

Kindle  Thou  the  sacrifice 
That  upon  my  lips  is  lying  ; 

Clear  the  shadows  from  mine  eyes. 
That,  from  every  error  flying. 

No  strange  fire  may  in  me  glow 

That  Thine  altar  doth  not  know. 


Let  me,  with  my  heart  to-day, 

Holy,  holy,  holy,  singing, 
Rapt  awhile  from  earth  away. 

All    my    soul   to    Thee    upspring- 
1  ncr 

Have  a  foretaste  inly  given 

How  they  worship  Thee  in  heaven. 

Rest  in  me  and  I  in  Thee, 
Build  a  paradise  within  me  ; 

O  reveal  Thyself  to  me. 

Blessed   love,  who    diedst    to    win 
me  ; 

Fed  by  Thine  exhaustless  urn. 

Pure  and  bright  my  lamp  shall  Ijurn. 

Hence  all  care,  all  vanity, 
For  the  day  to  God  is  holy  : 

Come,  thou  glorious  majesty. 
Deign  to  fill  this  temple  lowly, 

Nought  to-day  my  soul  shall  mn\e. 

Simply  resting  in  Tliy  lo\e. 


CHRISTIAN  LYRICS. 


115 


(Loiniminioii  luitl)  601). 

OKI),   I   am  come  alone  witli  Thee! 
Thy  voice  to  hear,  Thy  face  to  see, 

And  feel  Thy  presence  near  ; 
It  is  not  fancy's  lovely  dream, 
\  Thout^h  wondrous  e'en  to  faith  it  seem. 

That   Thou  dost  wait  me  here. 

A  moment  from  this  outward  life, 
Its  service,  self-denial,  strife, 

I  joyfully  retreat. 
My  soul,  through  intercourse  with  Thee, 
Strengthened,  refreshed,  and  calmed  shall   be, 

Its  scenes  again  to  meet. 

How  can  it  be  that  one  so  mean, 
A  sinner,  selfish,  dark,  unclean, 

Thus  in  the  holiest  stands  : 
And  in  that  light  divinely  pure. 
Which  may  no  stain  of  sin  endure. 

Lifts  up  rejoicing  hands  ? 


Jesus  I    the  answer  Thou  hast  given  I 
Thy  death.  Thy  life,  have  opened  heaven. 

And  all  its  joy  to  me  ; 
Washed  in  Thy  blood — oh  wondrous  grace 
I'm  holy  as  the  holy  place 

In  which   I   worship  Tiiee. 


How  sweet,  how  solemn,  thus  to  lie 
And  feel  Jehovah's  searching  eye 

On  me  well  pleased  can  rest  I 
Because  with  His  beloved  Son 
The  Father's  grace  has  made  me  one, 

I  must  be  alwavs  blest. 


ii6 


CHRISTIAN   LYRICS. 


The  secret  pangs  I  could  not  tell 

To  dearest  friend, —  Thou  knowest  well, 

They  claim  Thy  gracious  heart ; 
Thou  dost  remove  with  tender  care. 
Or  sweetly  give  me  strength  to  bear. 

The  sanctifying  smart. 

Thy  presence  has  a  wondrous  power  ; 
The  sharpest  thorn  becomes  a  flower, 

And  breathes  a  sweet  perfume  ; 
Whate'er  looked  dark  and  sad  before. 
With  happy  light  shines  silvered  o'er, — 

There's  no  such  thing  as  gloom  ! 

Thou  knowest  I  have  a  cross  to  bear  ; 
The  needful  stroke  Thou  dost  not  spare. 

To  keep  me  near  Thy  side  ; 
But  when  I  see  the  chastening  rod 
In  Thy  pierced  hand,  my  Lord,  my  God, 

I   feel  so  satisfied  ! 


Ill  Suffering. 


ATHER,  Thy  will,  not  mine,  be  done 
So  prayed  on  earth  Thy  suffering  Son  : 

So  in  His  name  I   pray. 
The  Spirit  faints,  the  flesh  is  weak, 
Thy  help  in  agony  I   seek, 

Oh  !    take  this  cup  away. 

If  such  be  not  Thy  sovereign  will, 
Thy  wiser  purpose  then  fulfil  ; 

My  wishes  I  resign  ; 
Into  Thy  hands  my  soul  commend, 
On  Thee  for  life  or  death  depend  ; 

Thy  will  be  done,  not  mine. 


Clear  <il)iiung  after  rain. 


OMETH  sunshine  after  rain, 
After  mourning  joy  again, 
After  heavy  bitter  grief 
Dawneth  surely  sweet  relief  I 
And  my  soul,  who  from  her  height 
Sank  to  realms  of  woe  and  night, 
Wingeth  now  to  heaven  her  flight. 

None  was  ever  left  a  prey, 
None  was  ever  turned  away. 
Who  had  given  himself  to  God, 
And  on  Him  had  cast  his  load. 
Who  in  God  His  hope  hath  placed 
Shall  not  life  in  pain  out- waste. 
Fullest  joy  he  yet  shall  taste. 


Though  to-day  may  not  fulfil 
All  thy  hopes,  have  patience  still. 
For  perchance  to-morrow's  sun 
Sees  thy  happier  days  begun  ; 
As  God  willeth  march  the  hours, 
Bringing  joy  at  last  in  showers. 
When  whate'er  we  asked  is  ours. 

Every  sorrow,  every  smart. 
That  the  Eternal  Fathers  heart 
Hath  appointed  me  of  yore, 
Or  hath  yet  for  me  in  store, 
As  my  life  flows  on  111  take 
Calmly,  gladly  for  His  sake. 
No  more  faithless  murmurs  make. 


I  will  meet  distress  and  pain, 
I  will  greet  e'en  death's  dark  reign, 
I  will  lay  me  in  the  grave. 
With  a  heart  still  glad  and  brave  ; 
Whom  the  Strongest  doth  defend. 
Whom  the  Highest  counts  His  friend. 
Cannot  perish  in  the  end. 


.^ougs  d  Iraisc. 


ONGS  of  praisethe  angels  sang, 
Heaven  with  hallelujahs  rang, 
ms.  When  Jehovah's  work  begun, 
i^  When  He  spake  and  it  was  done. 

Songs  of  praise  awoke  the  morn. 
When  the  Prince  of  peace  was  born  ; 
Songs  of  praise  arose,  when  He 
Captive  led  captivity. 

Heaven  and  earth  must  pass  away, 
Songs  of  praise  shall  .crown  that  day  : 
God  will  make  new  heavens  and  earth. 
Songs  of  praise  shall  hail  their  birth. 


And  will  man  alone  be  dumb. 
Till  that  glorious  kingdom  come.' 
No  : — the  church  delights  to  raise 
Psalms,  and  hymns,  and  songs  of  praise. 

Saints  below,  with  heart  and  voice, 
Still  in  songs  of  praise  rejoice  ; 
Learning  here,  by  faith  and  love. 
Songs  of  praise  to  sing  above. 

Borne  upon  their  latest  breath, 
Songs  of  praise  shall  concjuer  death  ; 
Then,  amidst  eternal  joy, 
Songs  of  praise  their  powers  employ. 


^t  Jingtl  i)f  latiencf. 


TRAXSLATFD  FKOM  THE  GRKMAX. 


H  ROUGH  OUT  this  earth  in 
stillness 
An  angel  walks  abroad. 
For  consohng  in  our  weakness 
He  is  strengthened  of  the  Lord  ! 
Peace  in  his  look  abideth, 

W^ith  a  mild  and  quiet  grace, 
Oh  I  follow  where  he  guideth. 
Follow  patience  in  thy  race. 

He  ever  truly  leads  thee 

Through  suffering  here  below. 
And,  speaking  oft  to  cheer  thee, 

A  brighter  time  he'll  show. 
Does  thy  heart  sink  despairing.'' 

Thy  hope  he  doth  recall. 
He  helps  thee  in  cross-bearing. 

To  good  he  turneth  all. 

He  calms  to  quiet  sadness 
The  anguish  of  thy  breast  ; 

The  heart  that  was  so  restless. 
In  humility  hath  rest. 


Thy  darkest  hour  of  weeping 

He  bringeth  by  degrees, 
Though  thy  wound  be  slow  in  heal- 
ing, 

He  gives  thee  certain  ease. 

Thy  tears  no  anger  cause  him. 

He  waiteth  to  console, 
He  chides  not  thy  desiring. 

With  grace  he  stills  thy  soul. 
When  troubles  round  are  raging, 

Murm'ring  thou  askest  "Why?" 
Voiceless — thy  grief  assuaging. 

He  smiles  and  points  on  high. 

Not  for  all  anxious  questions 

Doth  he  replies  prepare, 
The  sum  of  his  monitions, 

"  Endure— soon  ends  thy  care." 
Thus  with  thy  footsteps  blending. 

His  words  are  few  and  plain. 
And  his  thoughts  are  only  tending 

To  the  great,  the  glorious  aim. 


CJIKISTJAX   L  VRICS. 


IKJ 


Intomplctcncss. 


i)'l'll[N(".   resting;'  in   its  own  completeness 
Can  have  worth  or  beauty  :    but  alone 
Jecause  it  leads  and  tends  to  further  sweetness, 
Fuller,  hji^her,  deeper,  than   its  own. 


Spring's  real  glory  dwells  not  in  the  meaninj: 
Gracious  though  it  be,  of  her  blue  hours  ; 
But  is  hidden  in  her  tender  leaning 
To  the  summer's  richer  wealth  of  flowers. 


Dawn  is  fair  because  the  mists  fade  slowly 
Into  day,  which  floods  the  world  with  light  : 
Twilight's  mystery  is  so  sweet  and  holy. 
Just  because  it  ends  in  starry  night. 

Childhood's  smiles  unconscious  graces  borrow 
From  strife,  that  in  a  far-off  future  lies  ; 
And  angel-glances  (veiled  now  by  life's  sorrow) 
Draw  our  hearts  to  some  beloved  eyes. 

Life  is  only  bright,  when  it  proceedeth 
Towards  a  truer,  deeper  life  above  ; 
Human  love  is  sweetest  when  it  leadeth 
To  a  more  divine  and  perfect  love. 

Learn  the  mystery  of  progression  duly. 
Do  not  call  each  glorious  change  decay  ; 
But  know  we  only  hold  our  treasures  truly 
When  it  seems  as  if  they  passed  away  ; 


Nor  d:\re  to  blame  God's  gifts  for  incompleteness  ; 
In  that  want  their  beauty  lies  ;    they  roll 
Towards  some  infinite  depth  of  love  and  sweetness, 
Bearing  onwards  man's  reluctant  soul. 


CHRIS  TIA  X   L  \  RICS. 


Ilcarcr  to  %\n. 


EARER,my  God,  to  Thee,— 
Nearer  to  Thee, 
W  E'en  though  it  be  a  cross 
sb  That  raiseth  me  : 

^'^"^1^— ^■'^  Still  all  my  song  would  be, 
T^^iJ^    Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
t^  /    '^  Nearer  to  Thee. 


Though  like  the  wanderer, 
•J  Daylight  all  gone. 

Darkness  be  o'er  me, 
My  rest  a  stone  ; 
Yet,  in  my  dreams,   I'd  be 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee. 

There  let  the  way  appear 

Steps  unto  heaven  ; 
All  that  Thou  sendest  me, 

In  mercy  given  ; 
Angels  to  beckon  me 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee. 


Then  with  my  waking  thoughts 
Bright  with  Thy  praise. 

Out  of  my  stony  griefs 
Bethel   I'll  raise  ; 

So  by  my  woes  to  be 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee. 

Or  if  on  joyful  wing 

Cleaving  the  sky. 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars   forgot. 

Upwards   I  fly  : 
Still  all  my  song  shall  be, 
Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 

Nearer  to  Thee. 

Christ  alone  beareth  me 

Where  Thou  dost  shine  : 

Joint-heir  He  maketh  me 
Of  the  divine  I 

In  Christ  my  soul  shall  be 

Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee, 
Nearer  to  Thee. 


C  IIRIS  TIA  X  L  \  RICS. 


"  tribulation  toorltdl]  patience." 

the  harp  strings  only  render 

All  their  treasures  of  sweet  sound, 
All  their  music,  glad  or  tender. 
Firmly  struck  or  tightly  bound  ; 

So  the  hearts  of  Christians  owe 
Each  its  deepest,  sweetest  strain, 

To  the  pressure  firm  of  woe, 
And  the  tension  tight  of  pain. 

Spices  crushed  their  pungence  yield, 
Trodden  scents  their  sweets  respire  ; 

Would  you  have  its  strength  revealed. 
Cast  the  incense  in  the  fire. 

Thus  the  crushed  and  broken  frame 

Oft  doth  sweetest  graces  yield  ; 
And  through  suffering  toil  and  shame. 
From  the  martyr's  keenest  flame, 
Heavenly  incense  is  distilled  I 


(Llinging  to  Xljce. 

OLY  Saviour,   Friend  unseen. 
Since  on  Thine  arm  Thou  bidst  me  lean, 
Help  mc,  throughout  life's  varying  scene, 
By  faith  to  cling  to  Thee  ! 

Blest  with  this  fellowship  divine. 
Take  what  Thou  wilt,  FU  ne'er  repine. 
E'en  as  the  branches  to  the  vine 

My  soul  would  cling  to  Thee. 

Far  from  her  home,  fatigued,  opprest. 
Here  she  has  found  her  place  of  rest  ; 
An  exile  still,  yet  not  unblest. 

While  she  can  cling  to  Thee  I 


Without  a  murmur  I  dismiss 

My  former  dreams  of  earthly  bHss  ; 

My  joy,  my  consolation  this, 

Each  hour  to  cling  to  Thee  ! 

What  though  the  world  deceitful  prove, 
And  earthly  friends  and  joys  remove  ; 
With  patient,  uncomplaining  love 

Still  would  I  cling  to  Thee  ! 

Oft  when  I  seem  to  tread  alone 

Some  barren  waste  with  thorns  o'ergrown, 

Thy  voice  of  love,  in  tenderest  tone. 

Whispers,  "Still  cling  to  Me;" 

Though  faith  and  hope  awhile  be  tried, 
I  ask  not,  need  not,  aught  beside  ; 
How  safe,  how  calm,  how  satisfied, 

The  souls  that  cling  to  Thee  ! 

They  fear  not  Satan  or  the  grave, 
They  feel  Thee  near  and  strong  to  save, 
Nor  fear  to  cross  e'en  Jordan's  wave, 

Because  they  cling  to  Thee  ; 

Blest  is  my  lot,  whate'er  befall ; 
What  can   disturb  me,  what  appal. 
Whilst  as  my  Rock,  my  Strength,  my  All, 
Saviour,  I  cling  to  Thee  I 


"Cast  Mm\,  but  not  Jicstronc^." 

veil   have   I   borne,  l)ut  not  as   I   should  bear; 
The  proud  will  unsubdued,  the  formal  prayer, 
Tell  me  Thou  yet  wilt  chide,  Thou  canst  not  spare, 
O   Lord,  Thy  chastening  rod  I  _ 

O  help  me,  Father,  for  my  sinful  heart 

Back  from  this  discipline  of  grief  would  start, 

Unmindful  of  His  sorer,  deeper  smart, 

Who  died  for  me,  my  God  ! 

Yet  if  each  wish  denied,  each  woe  and  pain, 
Break  but  some  link  of  that  oppressive  chain 
Which  binds  us  still  to  earth,  and  leaves  a  stain 
Thou  only  canst  remove — 

Then  am  I  blest — O  bliss  from  man  concealed  ! 
If  here  to  Christ,  the  weak  one's  tower  and  shield, 
My  heart  through  sorrow  be  set  free  to  yield 
A  service  of  deep  love. 


fljanlifulntss. 

Y  God,   I   thank  Thee  who  hast  made 
^         The   earth  so  bright  ; 
So  full  of  splendour  and  of  joy, 

Beauty  and  light ; 
So  many  glorious  things  are  here, 

Noble  and  right. 

I  thank  Thee,  too,  that  Thou  hast  made 

Joy  to  abound  ; 
So  many  gentle  thoughts  and  deeds 

Circling  us  round. 
That  in  the  darkest  spot  of  earth 

Some  love  is  found. 


124 


CHRISTIAiX   LYRICS. 


I  thank  Thee  more  that  all  our  joy 

Is  touched  with  pain  ; 
That  shadows  fall  on  brightest  hours, 

That  thorns  remain  ; 
So  that  earth's  bliss  may  be  our  guide, 

And  not  our  chain. 


I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  that  Thou  has  kept 

The  best  in  store  ; 
We  have  enough,  yet  not  too  much 

To  long  for  more  : 
A  yearning  for  a  deeper  peace 

Not  known  before. 


For  Thou  who  knowest.  Lord,  how  soon 

Our  weak  heart  clings. 
Hast  given  us  joys,  tender  and  true. 

Yet  all  with  wings. 
So  that  we  see  gleaming  on  high 

Diviner  things. 


I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  that  here  our  souls, 

Though  amply  blest, 
Can  never  find,  although  they  seek, 

A  perfect  rest — 
Nor  ever  shall,  until  they  lean 

On  Jesus'  breast. 


(Lonlcntmrnl. 

OMK  murmur,  when  their  sky  is  clear 

And  wholly  bright  to  view, 
If  one  small  speck  of  dark  appear 

In  their  great  heaven  of  blue  : 
And  some  with  thankful  love  are  filled 

If  but  one  streak  of  light, 
One  ray  of  God's  good  mercy  gild 

The  darkness  of  their  night. 

In  palaces  are  hearts  that  ask, 

In  discontent  and  pride, 
Why  life  is  such  a  dreary  task 

And  all  good  things  denied  ? 
And  hearts  in  poorest  huts  admire 

How  love  has  in  their  aid 
(Love  that  not  ever  seems  to  tire) 

Such  rich  provision  made. 


Pibniglji  J)m\\. 


N  the  mid  silence  of  the  voiceless  night, 
When,  chased  by  airy  dreams,  the  slumbers  flee. 
Whom  in  the  darkness  doth  my  spirit  seek, 
()   Cod.  but  Thee? 

And  if  there  be  a  weight  upon  my  breast, 
Some  vague  impression  of  the  day  foregone. 
Scarce  knowing  what  it  is,  I  fly  to  Thee, 
And  lay  it  down. 

Or  if  it  be  the  heaviness  that  comes 
In  token  of  anticipated  ill — 
My  bosom  takes  no  heed  of  what  it  is. 
Since  'tis  Thy  will. 

For  oh  !    in  spite  of  past  and  present  care 
Or  anything  beside— how  joyfully 
I'asses  that  silent  solitary  hour. 
My  (;od,  witli  Thee  ! 

More  tranquil  than  the  stillness  of  the  night. 
More  peaceful  than  the  silence  of  that  hour, 
More  blest  than  anything,  my  bosom  lies 
Beneath  Thy  power. 

For  what  is  there  on  earth  that  I  desire, 
Of  all  that   it  can  give  or  take  from  me  ? 
Or  whom  in  heaven  doth  my  spirit  seek, 
O  God,  but  Thee? 


glt)nmig  l^nvn. 


,OME,  my  soul,  awake,  'tis  morn- 
ing, 
Day  is  dawning 
O'er  the  earth,  arise  and  pray. 
Come  to  Him  who  made  this  splendour, 

Thou  must  render 
All  thy  feeble  powers  can  pay. 

From  the  stars  now  learn  thy  duty. 

See  their  beauty 
Paling  in  the  golden  air  : 
So  God's  light  thy  mists  should  banish, 

Thus  should  vanish 
What  to  darkened  sense  seemed  fair. 

See  how  everything  that  liveth 

Gladly  striveth 
On  the  pleasant  light  to  gaze  ; 
Stirs  with  joy  each  thing  that  groweth, 

As  it  knoweth 
Darkness  smitten  by  these  rays. 

Soul,  thy  incense  also  proffer; 

Thou  shouldst  offer 
Praise  to  Him,  who  from  thy  head 
Kept  afar  the  storms  of  sorrow. 

And  the  morrow 
Finds  the  night  in  peace  hath  fled. 


Bid  Him  bless  what  thou  art  doing. 

If  pursuing 
Some  good  end  !    but  if  there  lui-ks 
111  intent  in  thine  endeavour. 

May  He  ever 
Thwart  and  turn  thee  from  thy  works. 

Think  that  He,  the  All-discerning, 

Knows  each  turning 
Of  thy  path,  each  sinful  stain  ; 
Nay,  what  shame  would  fain  gloss  over. 

Can  discover  ; 
All  thou  dost  to  Him  is  plain. 

Bound  unto  the  flying  hours 

Are  our  powers  ; 
Earth's  vain  good  floats   down  their 

wave, 
That  thy  ship,  my  soul,  is  hasting. 

Never  resting. 
To  its  haven  in  the  grave. 

Pray  that  when  thy  life  is  closing, 

Calm  reposing. 
Thou  may'st  die,  and  not  in  pain  : 
That,  the  night  of  death  departed, 

Thou,  glad-hearted, 
May'st  behold  the  sun  again 


From   God's   glances   shrink    thou 
never, 

Meet  them  ever  ; 
Who  submits  him  to  His  grace, 
Finds  that  earth  no  sunshine  knowcth 

Such  as  gloweth 
O'er  his  pathway  all  his  days. 


Wakenest  thou  again  to  sorrow, 

Oh  !    then  borrow 
Strength  from   Him,  whose  sun-light 

might 
On  the  mountain  summit  tarries. 

And  yet  carries 
To  tlie  vales  their  mirtli  and  li^rht. 


Round  the  gifts  He  on  thee  showers, 

Fiery  towers 
Will  He  set  ;    be  not  afraid. 
Thou  shalt  dwell  'mid  angel  legions. 

In  the  regions 
Satan's  self  dares  not  invade. 


^^ 


"|nm  iDJIIjout  ceasing." 

And  fie  spake  a  parable  unto  this  end,  that  jiien  ought 
ahvays  to  pray  and  not  to  faint." 

WAS  long  ago  in  olden  time, 
Christ  spake  a  parable  divine, 

To  teach  the  waiting  throng 
That  men  ought  evermore  to  pray, 
And  God  would  hear  and  help  alway, 

Although  they  waited  long. 


That  human  voice  we  may  not  hear, 
That  music  breaks  not  on  our  ear, 
^      Yet  still  the  words  are  sure  : 

And  many  hearts  with  grief  oppressed, 
Have  found  them  light,  and  hope,  and  rest, 
And  trusted  there  secure. 

And  rises.  Lord,  this  cry  to  Thee, 
From  weary  hearts  unceasingly, 

"  How  long,  O  Lord,  how  long  ! 
O  Thou  the  True,  the  Good,  the  Great, 
Have  mercy  on  us  desolate. 

Is  hot  Thy  sceptre  strong?" 


So  pray  they  bowed  with  sorrow  down  ; 
While  we,  whom  love  and  gladness  crown, 

Bend  lower  still  in  prayer, 
With  hearts  so  full  we  need  to  pray, 
"  O  make  us  worthy,  Lord,  alway 

This  weight  of  love  to  bear. 

"O  help  us  'mid  these  beams  di\-inc. 
To  think  of  Thee  from  whom  they  shine, 

By  whom  all  love  is  given  ; 
To  know  them  but  reflections  bright 
Of  glory  true  and  infinite. 

Which  floods  the  fields  of  heaven." 

And  thus,  in  happiness  or  care, 

Still,  Lord,  to  Thee  ascends  our  prayer. 

For  strength  we  cry  from  far  : 
And  learn,  as  Jesus  taught  of  old, 
In  toils  and  troubles  manifold, 

To  trust  Thy  guiding  star. 

So  lead  us.  Thou  to  whom  we  pra}-. 
That  ever  nearer  day  by  day 

Unto  the  Christ  we  come  ; 
And  where  we  see  the  star  abide, 
There — surely  trusting  in  our  Guide, 

Mav  find  our  rest  and  home. 


^11. 


C//A'/\77.l\   I.  VRICS. 


129 


"  ®l)ir  face,  ^i^\\,  imll  %  seek." 


HEARD  the  voice  of  Jesus  say, 

"  Come  unto  me  and  rest  ; 
Lay  down,  poor  weary  one,  lay 
down 

Thy  head  upon  my  breast  :" 
I  came  to  Jesus  as  I  was. 

Weary,  and  worn,  and  sad  ; 
I  found  in  Him  a  resting  place. 

And  He  has  made  me  glad. 


I  hoard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say, 

"  lichold  I  freely  give 
The  living  water,  thirsty  one, 

Stoop  down,  and  drink,  and  live 


I  came  to  Jesus,  and  I  drank 
Of  that  life-giving  stream  ; 

My  thirst  was  quenched,  my  soul  re- 
vived. 
And  now  I  live  in  Him. 

I  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say, 

"  I  am  this  dark  world's  Light  ; 
Look  unto  me,  thy  morn  shall  rise. 

And  all  thy  day  be  bright  :" 
I  looked  to  Jesus,  and  I  found 

In  Him  my  radiant  Sun  ; 
So  in  the  light  of  Light  I  live, 

And  srlorv  is  begun  I 


lalkn  I)cart  anir  flcsl)  fail. 


f  OWLY  and  solemn  be 

Thy  children's  cry  to  Thee, 

Father  divine  ! 
A  hymn  of  suppliant  breath. 
Owning  that  life  and  death 
yi^\i''  Alike  are  Thine. 

^*  O  Father,  in  that  hour, 
When  earth  all  succouring  power 

Shall  disavow  ; 
When  spear,  and  shield,  and  crown. 
In  faintness  are  cast  down  ; 
Sustain  us,  Thou. 


By  Him  who  loved  to  take 
The  death-cup  for  our  sake. 

The  thorn,  the  rod  ; 
From  whom  the  last  dismay 
Was  not  to  pass  away  ; 

Aid  us,  O  God. 

Tremblers  beside  the  grave, 
We  call  on  Thee  to  save. 

Father  divine  ; 
Hear,  hear  our  suppliant  breath, 
Keep  us,  in  life  and  death. 

Thine,  only  Thine. 


|ost))l)  a  tpc  of  (Lljiist 

OLD  by  them  that  should  have  loved 
thee, 
Prisoner  in  the  heathen's  land, 

Given  by  him  that  best  had  proved  thee 
To  the  dungeon  and  the  band  : — 
From  the  land  of  flowers  and  rain, 
Borne  to  Egypt's  dewless  plain, 
Leaving  tent  and  pastoral  dell, 
And  the  sire  that  loved  thee  well, 

And  the  airs  on  upland  breezy. 
Where  the  scented  cedars  grow. 

For  the  servant's  toil  uneasy 
And  the  captive's  weary  woe  ; — 

Out  of  grief  to  honour  risen, 

Winning  rapture  for  thy  pain, 
\nd  a  palace  for  thy  prison, 
And  a  sceptre  to  thy  chain  ; — 
Ruling  with  a  gentle  art. 
Over  many  a  grateful  heart, 
Melting  with  a  brother's  love 
Those  thine  anguish  could  not  move- 
Wearing  graciously  thy  glory 

Through  the  land  thy  wisdom  won — 
How  should  Christians  read  thy  story. 
Aged  I  srael's  favoured  son  ? 

A.S  the  little  saphng  tender 

Shows  the  great  oak  waving  proud  ; 
A.S  the  cold  lake  burns  with  splendour 

From  the  crimson  sunset-cloud  ; 

So  in  sufferings  of  thine 

Trace  we  out  a  gift  divine, 

An-d  thy  sorrows  throb  and  glow 

With  a  pulse  of  heavenly  woe  ! 
Type  thou  art  of  One  more  holy 

Who  His  glory  laid  aside, 
Took  the  form  of  servant  lowly, 

Stooped  to  suffering  man,  and  died. 


He  was  scorned,  and  sold,  and  haled 
By  the  men  He  came  to  save, 

With  a  cruel  wrath  unsated, 

Followed  to  His  three  days'  grave, - 
Not  one  pitying  thought  for  Him, 
When  His  failing  eye  waxed  dim, 
Not  one  note  in  sympathy 
With  that  love  so  full  and  free, 

When  His  tender  spirit,  yearning, 
Wept  those  tears  of  God-like  grief 

O'er  the  lawless  city  spurning 
Help,  and  safety,  and  relief. 

Now  He  reigneth  high  exalted 
Where  the  white-robed  elders  stand, 

By  the  great  throne  rainbow-vaulted, 
Each  with  golden  harp  in  hand. 
Thousand  thousand  harps  adoring, 
Thousand  thousand  vials  pouring 


Odours  sweet  of  saintly  |)rayers. 

That  embalm  those  heavenly  airs. 
Round  the  Lamb  once  slain  and  wounded 

Breathing  till  that  awl'ul  hour, 
When,  by  heaven's  high  host  surrounded, 

He  shall  come  again  in  power. 

For  behind  each  image  saintly 
Burns  the  light  of  Jesus'  name — 

As  the  lines  lie  dim  and  faintly 
In  the  Gothic  window  frame, 
Till  the  sunlight  touch  the  pane 
Rising  o'er  the  fretted  fane, 
And  each  form  and  gorgeous  hue 
Starts  to  sight  distinct  and  true, 

So  doth  many  a  sin-stained  creature 
Catch  a  glory  from  Christ's  face, 

And  a  light  is  on  his  feature. 

That  our  eyes  should  lo\e  to  trace. 


1  .\Ji.„„ki^i'i:' 


iv^^ 


''61ori|  to  6olr  in  tljc  Mgljcst." 

LORIOUS  was  that  primeval  light 

Which  poured  its  golden  flood 
O'er  the  young  earth,  when  fresh  and  bright 
In  its  first  bloom  it  stood. 

But,  lo  !    another  light,  that  shines 

O'er  Bethlehem's  midnight  sky, 
On  man  with  richer  promise  beams, 

And  lovelier  scenes  draw  nigh. 

Glad  tidings  of  Immanuel's  birth 

The  angelic  heralds  bring  ; 
"  Glory  to  God,  and  peace  on  earth. 

Good  will  towards  men,"  they  sing. 

Rise,  then,  my  soul,  and  greet  the  morn. 
Thus  sung  by  hosts  of  heaven  ; 

For  unto  us  a  Child  is  born. 
To  us  a  Son  is  given. 


gn  3ii)ljent  f  pn. 

"  Blessed  is  He  that  cnineih  in  the  name  of  tlu:  Lord." 
Matt.  xxi.  9. 

HEN   first  our  Lord  came  down  on  earth, 
He  did  not  scorn  like  us  to  be. 

For  He  was  born  of  mortal  birth, 
A  simple  child  of  low  degree. 

Where  Syrian  waves  are  bright  and  clear. 
Where  Judah's  grapes  grow  large  and  red. 

He  walked  below  and  men  drew  near 
And  heard  the  holy  words  He  said. 

But  when  the  Lord  shall  come  again, 
With  angcl-hosts  encircled  round, 

All  earth  and  heaven  shall  hail  Him  then, 
With  thunder-peal  and  trumpet-sound. 


And,  some  in  joy  and  some  in  dread, 
The  sons  of  men  His  eye  shall  meet  ; 

For  all  the  living  and  the  dead 

Must  stand  before  His  judgment-seat. 

His  voice  on  earth  we  did  not  hear, 
His  steps  below  we  could  not  trace. 

But  when  His  glory  shall  appear, 
We  too  shall  meet  Him  face  to  face. 

For  surely  as  the  leaves  and  flowers 
In  summer  time  come  back  again. 

So  surely,  as  in  sultry  hours 

The  dark  clouds  bring  the  pleasant  rain, 

Shall  He,  who  in  His  lowly  love 

Came  down  that  we  might  be  forgiven, 

Break,  glorious,  through  the  clouds  above, 
And  take  His  children  home  to  heaven. 


lor  (Lkist's  sahc. 


/  l>o7o  my  knees  in/to  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  ofwhotn  the  whole 
jainily  in  heaven  and  earth  is  named." — Eph.  iii.  15. 


HE  quiet  Sabbath  sunshine  played, 

With  soft  and  loving  smile, 
On  those  in  lowly  church  who  prayed, 

And  dim  cathedral  aisle. 

There  some  in  joy,  in  sorrow  some, 
Beneath  that  sunshine  knelt  ; 

Each  with  his  own  request  had  come. 
Each  heart  its  burden  felt. 

\  ct  named  they  all  one  sacred  name, 
And  saw  one  presence  fair  ; 

"  For  Christ  our  Saviour's  sake," — the 
name 
To  each  far  different  prayer. 

\\  hile  every  joy,  and  grief,  and  need, 

Swelled  one  united  cry, 
Ijlending  in  Him  whose  name  we  plead, 

Our  advocate  on  high. 

Until  the  soft  "  My  God,"  which  came 

From  every  praying  heart. 
Rose  but  as  one  "  Our  Father," — name 

Which  joins  those  far  apart. 

So  ever,  as  we  nearer  rise 

Towards  Him  we  all  would  find, 

W  c  draw  more  closely  still  the  ties 
Which  heart  to  heart  can  bind. 

That  like  the  union  none  may  know. 

Of  Father  and  of  Son, 
We  all  who  trust  in  Him  below. 

In  Him  may  all  be  one. 


Sight  sljining  out  of  ijurkiicss. 

"  Clouds  and  darkness  are  round  about  Hint,  righteousness  and  judgment  are 
tlie  /labitation  of  His  throne." — Psa.  xcvii.  2. 


OD  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 

His  wonders  to  perform  ; 
He  plants  His  footsteps  in  the  sea. 
And  rides  upon  the  storm. 

Deep  in  unfathomable  mines 
Of  never  failing  skill, 
He  treasures  up  His  bright  designs, 
And  works  His  sovereign  will. 

Ye  fearful  saints,  fresh  courage  take  ; 

The  clouds  ye  so  much  dread 
Are  big  with  mercy,  and  shall  break 

In  blessings  on  your  head. 


Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense, 
But  trust  Him  for  His  grace  ; 

Behind  a  frowning  Providence 
He  hides  a  smiling  face. 

His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  every  hour  ; 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 

But  sweet  will  be  the  flower. 

Blind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err. 
And  scan  His  work  in  vain  ; 

God  is  His  own  interpreter, 
And  He  will  make  it  plain. 


l^obe. 


OR  the  love  of  the  true  hearted, 
3 Jx    Thanks  we  give  Thee,  Lord  of  love  ; 
\i7iTrucst  treasure  Thou  hast  given. 

Fairest  link  'twixt  earth  and  heaven. 
Sunshine  from  above. 


May  this  love  that  Thou  hast  given. 

Light,  and  hope,  and  joy  to  be  ; 
Filling  all  our  lives  with  meaning. 
Teaching  truest  strength  in  leaning  ; 
Draw  us  nearer  Thee. 


For  the  love  Thou  sendest  shows  us 
How  that  stronger  love  must  glow. 
By  its  very  depth  revealing 
Other  depths  of  deeper  feeling 
God  alone  can  know. 

Teaching  us  of  love  unuttercd. 

Ever  springing,  ever  new, 
Whose  unfathomed  depth  and  beauty 
Cheer  our  sorrows,  gild  our  duty. 

Perfect,  constant,  true. 


(LolD^er's  iraljt 


T  is  a  place  where  poets  crowned  may  feel  the  heart's  decaying  ; 
It  is  a  place  where  happy  saints  may  weep  amid  their  praying  ; 
Yet  let  the  grief  and  humbleness,  as  low  as  silence  languish  ! 
Earth  surely  now  may  give  her  calm  to  whom  she  gave  her 
anguish. 

O  poets  !  from  a  maniac's  tongue  was  poured  the  deathless  singing  ; 
O  Christians  !  at  your  cross  of  hope,  a  hopeless  hand  was  clinging  ! 
O  men  !    this  man  in  brotherhood,  your  weary  paths  beguiling, 
Groaned  inly  while  he  taught  you  peace,  and  died  while  you  were 
smilina:  ! 


And  now,  what  time  ye  all  may  read  through  dimming  tears  his  story, 

How  discord  on  the  music  fell,  and  darkness  on  the  glory. 

And   how,  when   one   by  one    sweet   sounds   and  wandering   lights 

departed, 
He  wore  no  less  a  loving  face  because  so  broken-hearted  ; 


( •// AV.s  riA  X  L  )  7v'/C\S-.  1 37 


He  shall  Ik-  strong  to  sanctify  the  poet's  high  \ocation, 

And  bow  the  meekest  Christian  down  in  meeker  adoration  ; 

Nor  ever  sliall  he  be,  in  praise,  of  wise  or  good  forsaken  ; 

Named  softlv  as  the  household  name  of  one  whom  God  hath  taken. 


Like  a  sick  child  that  knoweth  not  his  mother  while  she  blesses, 
And  drops  upon  his  burning  brow  the  coolness  of  her  kisses  ; 
That  turns  his  fevered  eyes  around — "  My  mother  !  where's  my  mother?" 
As  if  such  tender  words  and  looks  could  come  from  any  other  I — 

The  fever  gone,  with  leaps  of  heart,  he  sees  her  bending  o'er  him  ; 
Her  face  all  pale  from  watchful  love,  the  unweary  love  she  bore  him  ! — 
Thus  woke  the  poet  from  the  dream  the  life-long  fever  gave  him. 
Beneath  those  deep  pathetic  eyes,  which  closed  in  death  to  save  him  ! — 

Thus  !    oh  not  thus  !     no  type  of  earth  could  image  that  awaking, 
Wherein  he  scarcely  heard  the  chant  of  seraphs  round  him  breaking, 
Or  felt  the  new  immortal  throb  of  soul  from  body  parted, 
But  felt  those  eyes  alone,  and  knew  "my  Saviour,  not  deserted  I" 

Deserted  I    who  hath  dreamt  that  when  the  cross  in  darkness  rested 
Upon  the  Victim's  hidden  face,  no  love  was  manifested  ? 
What  frantic  hands  outstretched  have  e'er  the  atoning  drops  averted  ? 
What  tears  have  washed  them  from  the  soul,  that  one  should  be  deserted  .'' 

Deserted  I    God  could  separate  from  His  own  essence  rather; 
And  Adam's  sins  hat^e  swept  between  the  righteous  Son  and  Father  ; 
Yea,  once  Immanuel's  orphan  cry  His  universe  hath  shaken  ; 
It  went  up  single,  echoless,  "  I\Iy  God,   1  am  forsaken!" 

It  went  up  from  the  Holy's  lips  amid  His  lost  creation. 

That,  of  the  lost,  no  son  should  use  those  words  of  desolation  ; 

That  earth's  worst  phrenzies,  marring  hope,  should  mar  not  hope's  fruition. 

And  I  on  Cowpers  grave  might  see  his  rapture  in  a  vision. 


f  !]e  §eat(]  at  tlic  f  agamore. 


HE  servant  of  God  is  on  his  way 
From  Boston's  beautiful  shore  ; 
The  boat  skims  hght  o'er  the  silvery  bay, 
The  sleeping  waters  awake  and  play 
At  the  touch  of  the  splashing  oar. 

The  boat  is  fast,  and  over  the  sod 

Of  the  neighbouring  wood  he  hies, 
Through  moor  and  thicket  his  path  is  trod, 
For  he  hastens  to  speak  of  the  living  God 
In  the  ear  of  the  man  who  dies. 

The  purpose  that  fills  his  soul  is  great 

As  the  heart  of  man  may  know  ; 
Vast  as  eternity,  strong  as  the  gate 
Which  the  spirit  must  pass  to  a  changeless 
state. 
To  enter  on  bliss  or  woe. 

Where  Romney's  forest  is  high  and  dark 

The  eagle  lowers  her  wing 
O'er  him  who  once  had  made  her  his  mark. 
For  the  Sagamore,  on  his  bed  of  bark, 

Is  a  perishing,  powerless  thing. 

On  the  door  of  the  wigwam  hang  the  bow 

The  antlers  and  beavers'  skin, 
But  he  who  bore  them  is  faint  and  low, 
For  death  has  given  the  fatal  blow. 
And  a  monarch  expires  within. 

The  eye  that  glanced,  and  the  eagle  fled 

Away  to  the  fields  of  air  ; 
The  hand  that  drew,  and  the  deer  was  dead  ; 
The  hunter's  foot,  and  the  chieftain's  tread, 

And  the  conquerors  arm  are  there. 

But  each  his  powerful  work  has  done, 

His  triumph  at  length  is  past  ; 
The  final  conflict  is  now  begun. 
And  weeping  the  mother  hangs  over  her 
son. 
As  the  Sagamore  breathes  his  last. 


C//R/S//.l\   L  VRICS. 


•39 


'riu-  tiuccn  of  Massacluisctts  j^ricvcs 

That  the  Hfc  of  her  cliild  must  end  ; 
And  that  is  a  noble  lieart  which  heaves, 
With  a  mortal  pang,  on  the  bed  of  leaves 
Of  the  white  man's  Indian  friend. 

That  stately  form  that  lies  prostrate  there, 

On  those  feet  that  are  cold  as  snow, 
Hath  often  sped  through  the  midnight  air, 
A.  word  to  the  Christian's  ear  to  bear. 
Of  the  plot  of  his  heathen  foe. 

\nd  often,  while  roaming  those  wilds  alone. 

His  generous  heart  would  melt, 
\t  the  touch  of  a  ray  of  light  which  shone 
Fiom  the  white  man's  God,  till  before  His 
throne 
\lmost  has  the  Indian  knelt. 

lUit  the  fatal  fear,  the  fear  of  man, 

That  brings  to  man  a  snare, 
1 1  IS  braced  his  knee,  as  it  just  began 
I  o  bend  ;  and  the  fear  of  a  heathen  clan 

Has  stifled  the  Christian's  prayer. 

I  Jut  now,  like  a  flood  to  his  trembling  heart, 

Has  the  fear  of  a  God  rushed  in  ; 
\nd  keener  far  than  the  icy  dart, 
I  hat  rends  the  flesh  and  spirit  apart, 
[s  the  thought  of  his  heathen  sin. 

I  othe  lonely  tent  where  the  chief  reclines, 

As  the  herald  of  love  draws  nigh, 
1  he  Indian  shrinks  as  he  marks  the  signs 
( )f  a  soul  at  peace,  and  the  light  which 
shines 
Alone  from  the  Christian's  eye. 

'  Alas  !  "  he  cries,  in  the  strange  deep  tone 

Of  one  in  the  grasp  of  death, 
"No  God  have  I,  I  have  lost  my  own. 
And  I  go  to  the  presence  of  thine  alone. 

To  scorch  in  His  fiery  breath. 


"That  Spirit  who  made  the  sky  so  bright, 

With  the  touch  of  His  shining  feet, 
Who  rules  the  waters,  enkindles  the  light, 
Imprisons  the  winds  and  gives  them  their  flight, 
I   tremble  His  eye  to  meet. 

"  When  oh,  if  I   openly  had  confessed. 

And  followed  and  loved  Him  here, 
I  now  might  fly  to  His  arms  for  rest. 
Like  a  weary  bird  to  her  downy  nest, 
When  the  evening  shades  draw  near. 

"  But  grant  me  this  one  great  boon  I   crave 

In  a  dread  and  an  awful  hour — 
When  1  am  gone  to  my  lonely  grave, 
Oh  take  my  son  to  thy  home,  and  save 
This  beautiful  forest  flower. 

"  To  the  God  of  thy  people,  the  Holy  One, 

To  the  path  that  shall  reach  the  skies  ; 
Say,  say,  that  to  these  thou  wilt  lead  my  son. 
That  he  may  not  second  the  race  1  have  run. 
Nor  die  as  his  father  dies." 

"As  his  father  dies." With  the  breath  that  bore 

That  sorrowful  sound,  hath  fled 
The  soul  of  a  king,  for  the  strife  is  o'er 
Of  the  spirit  and  flesh,  and  the  Sagamore 

Is  numbered  with  the  dead. 

lUit  hath  he  not,  by  his  high  bequest, 

Like  the  penitent  on  the  tree, 
The  Saviour  of  dying  man  confessed. 
And  found  the  promise  to  him  addrest, 

"To-day  shalt  be  with  Me"? 


L7/A'/SV7.l\    /AK/CS. 


141 


Il)c  il'ovLi  is  mini) fill  of  J) is  oiun. 


on  dotli  not  leave  His  own  : 
The  nij^ht  of  weeping  for  a  time  may  last, 


^^^/         Then,  tears  all  past, 

His  going  forth  shall  as  the  morning  shine, 
The  sunrise  of  His  favour  shall  be  thine  : 
God  doth  not  leave  His  own. 

God  doth  not  leave  His  own  ; 
Though  few  and  evil  all  their  days  appear. 

Though  grief  and  fear 
Come  in  the  train  of  earth  and  hell's  dark  crowd, 
The  trusting  heart  says,  even  in  the  cloud, 

God  doth  not  leave   His  own. 

God  doth  not  leave  His  own  ; 
This  sorrow  in  their  life  He  doth  permit, 

Yea,  chooseth  it, 
To  speed  His  children  on  their  heavenward  way, 
He  guides  the  winds. — Faith,  hope,  and  love  all  say 

God  doth  not  leave   His  own. 


furaibcn. 

NI)  hearts  are  here,  yet  would  the  tendcrest  one 
Have  limits  to  its  mercy,  God  has  none  ; 
But  man's  forgiveness  may  be  true  and  sweet, 
But  yet  he  stoops  to  give  it  ;    more  complete 
Is  love  that  lays  forgiveness  at  thy  feet 
And  pleads  with  thee  to  raise  it  ;    only  heaven 
Means    crowned,    not    vanquished,    when    it    says 
"  Fortriven." 


142 


CHRISTIAN   LYRICS. 


(iluto  US  It  .^oit  is  l)ont. 


[ail  to  the  Lord's  anointed  ! 

Great  David's  greater  Son  ! 
Hail,  in  the  time  appointed, 

His  reign  on  earth  begun  ! 
He  comes  to  break  oppression, 

To  set  the  captive  free  ; 
To  take  away  transgression, 

And  rule  in  equity. 


Arabia's  desert  ranger 

To  Him  shall  bow  the  knee  ; 
The  Ethiopian  stranger 

His  glory  come  to  see  : 
With  offerings  of  devotion. 

Ships  from  the  isles  shall  meet, 
To  pour  the  wealth  of  ocean 

In  tribute  at  His  feet. 


He  comes  with  succour  speedy 

For  those  who  suffer  wrong  ; 
To  help  the  poor  and  needy. 

And  bid  the  weak  be  strong  ; 
To  give  them  songs  for  sighing, 

Their  darkness  turn  to  light. 
Whose  souls,  condemned  and  dying, 

Were  precious  in  His  sight. 

By  such  shall  He  be  feared 

While  sun  and  moon  endure. 
Beloved,  obeyed,  revered. 

For  He  shall  judge  the  poor. 
Through  changing  generations. 

With  justice,  mercy,  truth, 
While  stars  maintain  their  stations. 

Or  moons  renew  their  youth. 

He  shall  come  down  like  showers 

Upon  the  fruitful  earth  ; 
And  love,  joy,  hope,  like  flowers, 

Spring  in  His  path  to  birth. 
Before  Him,  on  the  mountains, 

Shall  Peace,  the  herald  go  ; 
And  righteousness,  in  fountains. 

From  hill  to  vallev  flow. 


Kings  shall  fall  down  before  Him 

And  gold  and  incense  bring  ; 
All  nations  shall  adore  Him, 

His  praise  all  people  sing  : 
For  He  shall  have  dominion 

O'er  river,  sea,  and  shore, 
Far  as  the  eagle's  pinion 

Or  dove's  light  wing  can  soar. 

To  Him  shall  prayer  unceasing 

And  daily  vows  ascend  ; 
His  wisdom  still  increasing, — 

A  kingdom  without  end. 
The  mountain-dew  shall  nourish 

A  seed  in  weakness  sown. 
Whose  fruit  shall  spread  and  flourish. 

And  shake  like  Lebanon. 

O'er  every  foe  victorious. 

He  on  His  throne  shall  rest  ; 
From  age  to  age  more  glorious. 

All  blessing  and  all  blest. 
The  tide  of  time  shall  never 

His  covenant  remove  : 
His  name  shall  stand  for  ever  ; 

His  new,  best  name  of  Love. 


Miilk  in  tk  jiiigM. 


ALK  in  tlic  lii;ht — and  tliou  shalt  own 

Thy  darkness  past  away, 
liccauso  on  thee  the  h^^ht  hath  shone 

In  wliicli   is  perfect  day. 

Walk  in  the  hght — and  sin  abhorred 

Shall  not  defile  again  ; 
The  blood  of  Jesus  Christ  the  Lord 

Shall  cleanse  from  every  stain. 

Walk  in  the  light — and  thou  shalt  find 

Thy  heart  made  truly  His, 
Who  dwells  in  cloudless  light  enshrined 

In  whom  no  darkness  is. 

Walk  in  the  light— so  shalt  thou  know 

That  fellowship  of  love 
His  Spirit  only  can  bestow 

Who  reigns  in  light  above. 

Walk  in  the  light — and  follow  on 
Till  faith  be  turned  to  sight, 

Where,  in  divine  communion, 
God  is  Himself  the  light. 


^iboralion, 

j)  LWAY  imploring  palms  we  raise  towards  heaven 
As  though  we  drew  the  consecration  down  : 
And  miss  the  holy  wells  that  gush  hard  by. 
So  men  mistakenly  look  up  for  dew, 
The  while  its  blessed  mist  imbathes  their  feet. 
Therefore  if  any  flower  shall  breathe  for  thee 
A  fragrant  message  from  its  pencilled  urn  ; 
If  spring  airs  glad  thee  ;    if  the  sunset  bring 
Into  thine  eyes  the  tears  of  solemn  joy; 
If  any  radiant  passion  come  to  make 
Existence  beautiful  and  pure  to  thee  ; 


If  noblest  music  sway  thee,  like  a  dream  ; 

If  sorrow  to  a  mournful  midnight  turn 

Thy  noon  ;    if  something  deepest  in  thee  wake 

To  a  dim  sentiment  of  mystery  ; 

If  musing  warm  to  worship  ;    if  the  stars 

Earnestly  beckon  to  immortal  life  ; 

Ponder  such  ministrations,  and  be  sure 

Thou  hast  been  touched  by  God,  O  human  heart. 


6ob  in  cl)cotMn(j. 


The  day  is  Thine,  the  night  also  is  Thine  :  Thou  hastprepar 
t/w  light  and  the  sun." — Psa.  Ixxiv.  i6. 


HOU  art,  O  God,  the  life  and  light 
%>  Of  all  this  wondrous  world  we  see  ; 
-     Its  glow  by  day,  its  smile  by  night, 
Are  but  reflections  caught  from  Thee  ; 
Where'er  we  turn,  Thy  glories  shine. 
And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  Thine. 

When  day,  with  farewell  beam,  delays 
'l^^j  Among  the  opening  clouds  of  even, 
!i_-2^    A  And  we  can  almost  think  we  gaze 

1^^  Through  golden  vistas  into  heaven, 

.  Os   j         Those  hues  that  mark  the  sun's  decline, 
So  soft,  so  radiant.  Lord,  are  Thine. 

When  youthful   spring  around  us  breathes. 
Thy  spirit  warms  her  fragrant  sigh, 
And  ever)'  flower  the  summer  wreathes 
Is  born  beneath  that  kindling  eye, — 
Where'er  we  turn.  Thy  glories  shine. 
And  all  things  fair  and  bright  are  Thine. 


CHRIS  TIA  X  L  J  -RICS. 


145 


"  jrccli)  ])c  li:ibc  rcttilicb,  frtcln  ijilie," 


1\'E  !    as  the  morning  that  flows  out  of  heaven, 
(iive  !    as  the  waves  when  their  channel  is  riven, 
(live  I  as  the  free  air  and  sunshine  are  given, 

Lavishly,  utterly,  carelessly  give  : 
Not  the  waste  drops  of  thy  cup  overflowing, 
Not  the  faint  sparks  of  thy  hearth  ever  glowing. 
Not  a  pale  bud  from  thy  June  roses  blowing, — 

Give  as  He  gave  thee  who  gave  thee  to  live. 

Pour  out  thy  love  like  the  rush  of  a  ri\t-r 

Wasting  its  waters  for  ever  and  ever. 

Through  the  burnt  sands  that  reward  not  the  giver, 

Silent  or  songful  thou  nearest  the  sea. 
Scatter  thy  life  as  the  summer-showers  pouring  ; 
What  if  no  bird  through  the  pearl-rain  is  soaring  ! 
What  if  no  blossom  look  upward  adoring  I 

Look  to  the  life  that  was  lavished  for  thee. 


Give  !  though  thy  heart  be  all  wasted  and  wear\- 
Laid  on  an  altar  all  ashy  and  dreary  ; 
Though  from  its  pulses  a  faint  miserere 

Beats  to  thy  soul  the  sad  presage  of  fate  ; 
Bind  it  with  cords  of  unshrinking  devotion  ; 
Smile  at  the  song  of  its  trembling  emotion  ; 
'Tis  the  stern  h)mn  of  eternity's  ocean  ; 

Hear  I    and  thv  future  in  silence  await. 


So  the  wild  wind  spreads  its  perfumed  caresses. 
Evil  and  thankless  the  desert  it  blesses  ; 
Bitter  the  wave  that  its  soft  pinion  presses, 

Never  it  ceaseth  to  whisper  and  sing. 
What  if  the  hard  heart  give  thorns  for  thy  roses 
What  if  on  rocks  thy  tired  bosom  reposes  I 
.Sweeter  is  music  with  minor-keyed  closes. 

Fairest  the  vines  that  on  ruins  will  clinjr. 


Almost  the  day  of  thy  giving  is  over  ; 

Ere  from  the  grass  dies  the  bee-haunted  clover 

Thou  wilt  have  vanished  from  friend  and  from  lover  : 

What  shall  thy  longing  avail  in  the  grave  ? 
Give  !    as  the  heart  gives  whose  fetters  are  breaking, 
Life,  love,  and  hope,  all  thy  dreams  and  thy  waking, 
Soon  heaven's  river  thy  soul-fever  slaking, 

Thou  shalt  know  God  and  the  gift  that   He  gave. 


There  is  joy  in  the  presence  of  tlw  angels  of  God  over  one  sinner 
iliat  re/>euieih.'" — Luke  xv.  lo. 


Redeemed,  redeemed. 
The  word  went  forth  from  the  Father's 

throne 
And  a  flood  of  light  from  His  blessed  Son 

Upon  the  suppliant  streamed  ; 
And  the  angel-host,  with  one  accord. 

Sent  forth  a  shout  and  song, 
For  another  soul  by  their  blessed  Lord 

Was  promised  to  their  throng. 

Forgiven,  forgiven. 
The  words  went  up  as  the  thunder's  roll, 
And  on  the  humble,  trembling  soul 

The  echoes  fell  from  heaven  : 


And  the  angels  touched  the  silver  strings 
Of  their  harps  and  caught  the 
word, 

Veiled  their  glad  faces  with  their  wings, 
And  bowed  before  the  Lord. 

Rejoice,  rejoice, 
Great  was  the  sound  of  joy  above. 
And  brighter  seemed  the  realms  of  love. 

Sweeter  the  angels'  voice, 
And  all  because  one  weary  heart 

Had  courage  to  be  blest, 
Had  taken  up  the  better  part. 

And  bathed  its  wings  in  rest. 


CHRIS  TJ.IX  l.V R I CS. 


H7 


f)crc  anb  TI)crc. 


HAT  no  liuiiiaii  eye  hath  seen, 
What  no  mortal  ear  hath  heard, 

What  on  thoiu^ht  hath  never  been 
I  n  its  noblest  tlightsconferrcd — 

This  hath  God  prepared  in  store 
For  His  people  evermore. 


When  the  shaded  pilgrim  land 
Fades  before  my  closing  eye, 

Then  revealed  on  either  hand 
Heaven's  own  scenery  shall  lie  : 

Then  the  veil  of  flesh  shall  fall. 
Now  concealing,  darkening  all. 

Heavenly  landscapes,  calmly  bright. 
Life's  pure  river  murmuring  low. 

Forms  of  loveliness  and  light. 
Lost  to  earth  long  time  ago, — 

Yes,  mine  own,  lamented  long. 
Shine  amid  the  angel  throng  ! 

Many  a  joyful  sight  was  given, 
^Liny  a  lovely  vision  here. 

Hill,  and  vale,  and  starry  even. 
Friendship's  smile,  affection's  tear, 

These  were  shadows,  sent  in  love, 
Of  realities  above  I 


When  upon  my  wearied  ear 
Earth's  last  echoes  faintly  die  ; 

Then  shall  angel-harps  draw  near, 
All  the  chorus  of  the  sky  ; 

Long-hushed  voices  blend  again, 
Sweetly  in  that  welcome  strain. 

Here  were  sweet  and  varied  tones. 
Bird,  and  breeze,  and  fountain's  fall. 

Yet  creation's  travail-groans 
Ever  sadly  sighed  through  all  ; 

There  no  discord  jars  the  air. 
Harmony  is  perfect  there. 

When  this  aching  heart  shall  rest. 

All  its  busy  pulses  o'er, 
From  its  mortal  robes  undrest 

Shall  my  spirit  upward  soar. 
Then  shall  unimagined  joy. 

All  my  thoughts  and  powers  cmi)loy. 

Here  devotion's  healing  balm 
Often  came  to  soothe  my  breast. 

Hours  of  deep  and  holy  calm. 
Earnests  of  eternal  rest. 

Ikit  the  bliss  was  here  unknown, 
Which  shall  there  be  all  mv  own  .' 


Jesus  reigns,  the  Life,  the  Sun, 
Of  that  wondrous  world  above  ; 

All  the  clouds  and  storms  are  gone 
All  is  light  and  all  is  love. 

All  the  shadows  melt  away 
I  n  the  blaze  of  perfect  day  I 


5  Do'm  from  |jtal)m. 


SHINE  in  the  light  of  God, 

His  hkeness  stamps  my  brow, 
Through  the  shadows  of  death  my  feet  ha\e  trod 
And   I   reign  in  glory  now  ! 

No  breaking  heart  is  here, 
>     No  keen  and  thrilling  pain, 
No  wasted  cheek,  where  the  frequent  tear 
Hath  rolled  and  left  its  stain. 

1  have  found  the  joys  of  heaven, 

I   am  one  of  the   angel-band  ; 
To  my  head  a  crown  of  gold  is  given, 

And  a  harp  is  in  ni}-  hand  I 


1   have  learnt  the  song  they  sing 

Whom  Jesus  hath  set  free  ; 
And  the  glorious  walls  of  heaven   still  ring 

With  my  new-born  melody. 


No  sin,  no  grief,  no  pain, 

Safe  in  my  happy  home  ! 
My  fears  all  fled,  my  doubts  all  slain, 

My  hour  of  triumph  come. 

O  friends  of  mortal  years. 

The  trusted  and  the  true  ! 
Ye  are  walking  still   in  the  vale  of  tears, 

But   I   wait  to  welcome  you. 

Do  I  forget ! — Oh  no  ! 

For  memory's  golden  chain 
Shall  bind  my  heart  to  the  hearts  below 

Till  they  meet  to  touch  again. 


Each  link  is  strong  and  bright. 

And  love's  electric  flame 
Flows  freely  down,  like  a  river  of  light. 

To  the  world  from  which   I   came. 


Do  you  mourn  when  another  star 
Shines  out  from  a  glittering  sky  ? 

Do  you  weep  when  the  raging  voice  of  war 
And  the  storms  of  conflict  die  ? 

Then  why  sliould  your  tears  run  down, 
And  your  hearts  be  sorely  riven, 

For  another  gem  in  the  Saviours  crown, 
Another  soul  in  heaven  ? 


^aVs  gicrt 


LIKE  that  ancient  Saxon  phrase,  which  calls 
The  burial  ground  God's  Acre  !     It  is  just  ! 

It  consecrates  each  grave  within  its  walls, 

And    breathes  a  benison  o'er  the  sleeping  dust. 

God's  Acre  I     Yes,  that  blessed  name  imparts 
Comfort  to  those  who  in  the  grave  have  sown 

The  seed  that  they  have  garnered  in  their  hearts, 
Their  bread  of  life  ;    alas  I    no  more  their  own. 


Into  its  furrows  shall  \vc  all  be  cast, 

In  the  sure  faith  that  we  shall  rise  again 

At  the  great  harvest,  when  the  archangel's  blast 
Shall  winnow,  like  a  fan,  the  chaff  and  grain. 

Then  shall  the  good  stand  in  immortal  bloom. 
In  the  fair  gardens  of  that  second  birth  ; 

And  each  bright  blossom  mingle  its  perfume 

With  that  of  flowers  which  never  bloomed  on  earth. 

With  thy  rude  ploughshare,  Death,  turn  up  the  sod, 
And  spread  the  furrow  for  the  seed  we  sow  ; 

This  is  the  field  and  acre  of  our  God, 

This  is  the  place  where  human  harvests  grow  I 


%\n  gream. 

EARIED  and  worn  with  earthly  cares,  I  yielded  to  repose, 

And  soon,  before  my  raptured  sight,  a  glorious  vision  rose  : 

'  I    thought,  whilst    slumbering   on    my  couch    in    midnight's 

solemn  gloom, 

I    heard    an    angel's    silvery  voice,  and    radiance    filled    the 

room. 

A  gentle  touch  awakened  me, — a  gentle  whisper  said, 
"Arise,  O  sleeper,  follow  me  ;"  and  through  the  air  we  fled. 
We  left  the  earth  so  far  away  that  like  a  speck  it  seemed, 
And   heavenly  glory,  calm    and    pure,  across    our    pathway 
streamed. 


Still  on  we  went,^my  soul  was  wrapped  in  silent  ecstacy  ; 
I  wondered  what  the  end  would  be,  what  next  should  meet  mine  eje. 
I  know  not  how  we  journeyed  through  the  pathless  fields  of  light. 
When  suddenly  a  change  was  wrought,  and  I  was  clothed  in  white. 


C/fR/sr/.l  X    1.  VRICS.  151 


\Vc  stood  before  a  city's  walls,  most  glorious  to  behold  ; 

We  passed  through  gates  of  glistening  pearl,  o'er  streets  of  purest  gold  ; 

It  needed  not  the  sun  by  day,  the  silver  moon  by  night  ; 

The  glory  of  the   Lord  was  there,  the   Lamb   Himself  its  light. 

Bright  angels  paced  the  shining  streets,  sweet  music  filled  the  air, 
And  white-robed   saints,  with  glittering  crowns,  from  every  clime  were 

there  ! 
And  some  that  I  had  loved  on  earth  stood  with  them  round  the  throne, 
"All  worthy  is  the  Lamb,"  they  sang,  "the  glory  His  alone." 

But  fairer  far  than  all  beside,   I   saw  my  Saviour's  face  ; 

And  as  I  gazed.  He  smiled  on  me  with  wondrous  love  and  grace. 

Lowly  I  bowed  before  His  throne,  o'erjoyed  that   I   at  last 

Had  gained  the  object  of  my  hopes,  that  earth  at  length  was  past. 

And  then,  in  solemn  tones,  He  said,  "  Where  is  the  diadem 
That  should  be  sparkling  on  thy  brow,  adorned  with  many  a  gem  .-^ 
I  know  thou  hast  believed  on  Me,  and  life  through   Me  is  thine  ; 
But  where  are  all  those  radiant  stars  that  in  thy  crown  should  shine? 

"  Thou  seest  now  yonder  glorious  throng,  the  stars  on  every  brow  I 
For  every  soul  they  led  to  Me,  they  wear  a  jewel  now  ! 
And  such  thy  bright  reward  had  been,  if  such  had  been  thy  deed. 
If  thou  hadst  sought  some  wandering  feet  in  path  of  peace  to  lead. 

"  I  did  not  mean  that  thou  shouldst  tread  the  way  of  life,  alone, 
But    that    the    clear   and    shining    light,    which    round    thy  footsteps 

shone, 
Should  guide  some  other  weary  feet  to  my  bright  home  of  rest. 
And  thus,  in  blessing  those  around,   thou  hadst  thvscif  been  blest.'' 


The  vision  faded  from  my  sight,  the  voice  no  longer  spake, 

A    spell    seemed    brooding    o'er    my    soul,    which    long    I    feared    to 

break  ; 
And  when  at  last  I  gazed  around  in  morning's  glimmering  light. 
My  spirit  fell  o'ervvhelmed  beneath  that  vision's  awful  night. 


152 


CHRISTIAN  L  YRICS. 


I   rose  and  wept  with  chastened  joy,  that  yet   I  dwelt  below  ; 
That  yet  another  hour  was  mine,  my  faith  by  works  to  show ; 
That  yet  some  sinner  I  might  tell  of  Jesus'  dying  love, 
And  help  to  lead  some  weary  soul  to  seek  a  home  above. 

And  now,  while  on  the  earth   I   stay,  m\'  motto  this  shall  be, 

"To  live  no  longer  to  myself,  but  Him  who  died  for  me;" 

And  graven  on  my  inmost  soul  this  word  of  truth  divine, 

"  They  that  turn  many  to  the  Lord  bright  as  the  stars  shall  shine. 


^Ucss  \\%  toiiicilit. 


ATHER  of  love  and  power. 
Guard  Thou  our  evening-hour, 

Shield  with  Thy  might. 
For  all  Thy  care  this  day 
Our  grateful  thanks  we  pay, 
And  to  our  Father  pray. 

Bless  us  to-night. 

Jesus   Emmanuel, 

Come  in  Thy  love  to  dwell 

In  hearts  contrite  ; 
For  many  sins  we  grieve, 
But  we  Thy  grace  receive, 
And  in  Thy  word  believe. 
Bless  us  to-night. 

Spirit  of  truth  and  love, 
Life-giving  holy  Dove, 

Shed  forth  Thy  light  ; 
Heal  every  sinner's  smart, 
Still  every  throbbing  heart. 
And  Thine  own  peace  impart. 

Bless  us  to-nisfht. 


vlffjj. 


HEN  in  the  silvery  moonlij,dit 
The  lengthened  shadows  fall, 

And    the    silence    of   night    is 
dropping 
Like  gentle  dew  on  all  ; 


When  the  river's  tranquil  murmur 
Doth  lulling  cadence  keep, 

And  blossoms  close  their  weary  eyes, 
He  giveth  all  things  sleep. 

From  the  litle  bud  of  the  daisy, 
And  the  young  bird  in  the  nest, 

To  the  humble  bed  of  a  peasant-child, 
All  share  that  quiet  rest. 


It  comes  to  the  poor  man's  garret, 
And  the  captive's  lonely  cell  : 

On  the  sick  man's   tossing,  feverish 
couch. 
It  lays  a  blessed  spell. 

.^nd  the  Holy  One  who  sends  it  down. 
For  a  healing  and  a  balm, 

Doth  bless  it  with  a  mighty  power 
Of  peacefulncss  and  calm. 

He  counts  the  buds  that  fade  and  droop, 
And  marks  all  those  who  weep  ; 

And  closes  weary,  aching  eyes, 
With  the  holy  kiss  of  sleep  : 


The  truest  comfort  He  has  given 
For  all  earth's  pain  and  woe, 

Until  that  glorious  life  beyond 
Nor  tears  nor  sleep  sliall  know. 


154 


CHRIST!, IX  L  YRICS. 


gi  Isaliii  of  fife. 


ELL  me  not,  in  mournful  numljers, 
Life  is  but  an  empty  dream  ; 
For  the  soul  is  dead  that  slumbers, 
And  things  are  not  what  they  seem. 

Life  is  real  !    life  is  earnest  I 
And  the  grave  is  not  its  goal  ; 

"Dust  thou  art,  to  dust  returnest," 
Was  not  spoken  of  the  soul. 

Not  enjoyment,  and  not  sorrow. 

Is  our  destined  end  or  way  ; 
But  to  act,  that  each  to-morrow 

Find  us  further  than  to-day. 

Art  is  long  and  time  is  fleeting. 

And  our  hearts,  though  stout  and  biave, 
Still  like  muffled  drums  are  beating 

Funeral  marches  to  the  grave. 

In  the  world's  broad  field  of  battle, 

In  the  bivouac  of  life. 
Be  not  like  dumb,  driven  cattle  ! 

Be  a  hero  in  the  strife  ! 

Trust  no  future,  howe'er  pleasant  I 
Let  the  dead  past  bury  its  dead  ! 

Act, — act  in  the  living  present  ! 
Heart  within,  and  God  o'erhead  ! 

Lives  of  great  men  all  remind  us 
We  can  make  our  lives  sublime, 

And,  departing,  leave  behind  us 
Footprints  on  the  sands  of  time. 

Footprints  that  perhaps  another. 
Sailing  o'er  life's  solemn  main, 

A  forlorn  and  shipwrecked  brother, 
Seeing,  shall  take  heart  again. 

Let  us,  then,  be  up  and  doing. 

With  a  heart  for  any  fate  ; 
Still  achieving,  still  pursuing, 

Learn  to  labour  and  to  wait. 


®l)c  iloiiri 


i&£ 


HE  hours  are  viewless  angels, 

That  still  go  gliding  by, 
And  bear    each    minute's  re- 
cord up 
To  Him  who  sits  on  high  ; 
And  we,  who  walk  among  them, 

As  one  by  one  departs, 
See  not  that  they  are  hovering 
For  ever  round  our  hearts. 

Like  summer-bees  that  hover 

Around  the  idle  flowers, 
They  gather  every  act  and  thought. 

Those  viewless  angel-hours  ; 
The  poison  or  the  nectar 

The  heart's  deep  flowercups  yield, 
A  sample  still  they  gather  swift 

And  leave  us  in  the  field. 


And  some  flit  by  on  pinions 

Of  joyous  gold-and-blue, 
And  some  flag  on  with  drooping  wings 

Of  sorrow's  darker  hue  ; 
But  still  they  steal  the  record, 

And  bear  it  far  away  ; 
Their  mission-flight,  by  day  or  night. 

No  magic  power  can  stay. 

And  as  we  spend  each  minute 

That  God  to  us  hath  given, 
The   deeds    are    known    before    His 
throne. 

The  tale  is  told  in  heaven. 
Those  bee-like  hours  we  see  not. 

Nor  hear  their  noiseless  wings  ; 
We  often  feel,  too  oft,  when  flown, 

That  they  have  left  their  stings. 


So  teach  me,  heavenly  Father, 

To  meet  each  flying  hour, 
That^as  they  go  they  may  not  show 

My  heart  a  poison  flower  ! 
So  when  death  brings  its  shadows. 

The  hours  that  linger  last 
Shall  bear  my  hopes  on  angel  wings. 

Unfettered  by  the  past. 


N  silence  mighty  things  are  wrought — 
Silently  builded,  thought  on  thought, 
Truth's  temple  greets  the  sky  ; 
_,     And  like  a  citadel  with  towers, 
"^^  The  soul,  with  her  subservient  powers, 
'         Is  strengthened  silently. 

Soundless  as  chariots  on  the  snow 
The  saplings  of  the  forest  grow 

To  trees  of  mighty  girth  ; 
Each  nightly  star  in  silence  burns, 
And  every  day  in  silence  turns 

The  axle  of  the  earth. 

The  silent  frost,  with  mighty  hand. 
Fetters  the  rivers  and  the  land 

With  universal  chain  ; 
And  smitten  by  the  silent  sun. 
The  chain  is  loosed,  the  rivers  run, 

The  lands  are  free  again. 


O  Source  unseen  of  life  and  light, 
Thy  secrecy  of  silent  might 

If  we  in  bondage  know. 
Our  hearts,  like  seeds  beneath  the  ground, 
By  silent  force  of  life  unbound, 

Move  upward  from  below. 


CI/R/.sriA\   1.  YRICS. 


157 


(Dpm  f  1)011  our  tncs. 


"  y<sus  Hii)isclfdri;7u  itcar.  and 

yViYND  Ho  drew  near  and  talked  with 
iiV  them, 

^tiv.;?      I>ut  they  perceived  Him  not, 
And    mourned,   unconscious    of    that 

hght  — 
The  gloom,  the  darkness,  and  the  night 
That  wrapt  His  burial-spot. 

Wearied  with  doubt,  perplexed,  and  sad. 
They  knew  nor  help,  nor  guide, 

While  He  who  bore  the  secret  key 

To  open  every  mystery, 

Unknown  was  by  their  side. 

Thus  often  when  we  feel  alone, 

Nor  help  nor  comfort  near, 
'Tis  only  that  our  eyes  are  dim, 
Doubting  and  sad  we  see  not  Him 
Who  waiteth  still  to  hear. 


itent  with  tlwm." — Luke  xxiv.  15. 

"  Tiie  darkness  gathers  overhead, 
The  morn  will  never  come." 
I       Did  we  but  raise  our  downcast  eyes. 
In  the  white-flushing  eastern  skies 
Appears  the  glowing  sun. 

In  all  our  daily  joys  and  griefs, 

In  daily  work  and  rest. 
To  those  who  seek   Him,  Christ    is 

near. 
Our  bliss  to  calm,  to  soothe  our  care, 

In  leaning  on  His  breast. 

Open  our  eyes,  O  Lord,  we  pray, 

To  see  our  way — our  Guide, 
That  by  the  path  that  here  we  tread, 
We,  following  on,  may  still  be  led 
In  Thy  light  to  abide. 


tlisrour;igtij  because  of  tk  toair. 

HE  way  seems  dark  about  me- — overhead 
The  clouds  have  long  since  met  in  gloomy  spread. 
And,  when  I  looked  to  see  the  day  break  through. 
Cloud  after  cloud  came  up  with  \-olume  new. 

And  in  that  shadow  I  have  passed  along 
Feeling  myself  grow  weak  as  it  grew  strong. 
Walking  in  doubt,  and  searching  for  the  way. 
And  often  at  a  stand — as  now  to-day. 

And  if  before  me  on  the  path  there  lies 
A  spot  of  brightness  from  imagined  skies, 
Imagined  shadows  fall  across  it  too. 
And  the  far  future  takes  the  present's  hue. 


158  CHRISTIAN  LYRICS. 


Perplexities  do  throng  upon  my  sight, 

Like  scudding  fog-banks,  to  obscure  the  hght  ; 

Some  new  dilemma  rises  every  day. 

And  I   can  only  shut  my  eyes  and  pray. 

Lord,  I  am  not  sufficient  for  these  things, 
Give  me  the  light  that  Thy  sweet  presence  brings  ; 
Give  me  Thy  grace,  give  me  Thy  constant  strength 
Lord,  for  my  comfort  now  appear  at  length. 

It  may  be  that  my  way  doth  seem  confused, 
Because  my  heart  of  Thy  way  is  afraid  ; 
Because  my  eyes  have  constantly  refused 
To  see  the  only  opening  Thou  hast  made. 

Because  my  will  would  cross  some  flowery  plain 
Where  Thou  hast  thrown  a  hedge  from  side  to  side 
And  turneth  from  the  stony  walk  of  pain. 
Its  trouble  or  its  ease  not  even  tried. 

If  thus  I  try  to  force  my  way  along — 
The  smoothest  road  encumbered  is  for  me  ; 
For  were  I   as  an  angel,  swift  and  strong, 
I  could  not  go  unless  allowed  by  Thee. 

And  now  I  pray  Thee,  Lord,  to  lead  Thy  child — 
Poor  wretched  wanderer  from  Thy  grace  and  love  ; 
Whatever  way  Thou  pleasest  through  the  wild, 
So  it  but  take  her  to  Thy  home  above. 


cX5^ 


ALF  feeling  our  own  weakness 

Wc  place  our  hands  in  Thine, — ■ 
Knowing  but  half  our  darkness 
We  ask  for  light  divine. 

Then,  when   Thy  strong  arm  holds  us. 
Our  weakness  most  we  feel, 

And  Thy  love-light  around  us, 
Our  darkness   doth  reveal. 

^    y-^  Too  oft,  when  faithless  doubt ings 

KZ)^^^^        Around  our  spirits  press. 

We  cry,  "  Can  hands  so  feeble 
Grasp  such  almightiness  ?" 

While  thus  we  doubt  and  tremble, 
Our  hold  still  looser  grows  ; 

While  on  our  darkness  gazing 
\'ainly  Thy  radiance  glows. 

Oh  cheer  us  with  Thy  brightness, 
And  guide  us  by  Thy  hand, 

In  Thy  light  teach  us  light  to  see, 
In  Thy  strength  strong  to  stand. 


Then  though  our  hands  be  feeble, 
If  they  but  touch    Thine  arm, 

Thy  light  and  power  shall  lead  us 
And  keep  us  strong  and  calm. 


i6o 


CHRISTIAN  LYRICS. 


gork  (if  3gcs. 


OCK  of  ages,  cleft  for  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee. 
Let  the  water  and  the  blood, 
P'rom     Thy     wounded    side 

which  flowed, 
Be  of  sin  the  double  cure. 
Cleanse  me  from  its  guilt  and 
power. 

Not  the  labour  of  my  hands 
Can  fulfil  Thy  law's  demands. 
Could  my  zeal  no  respite  know. 
Could  my  tears  for  ever  flow, 
All  for  sin  could  not  atone  ; 
Thou  must  save,  and  Thou  alone. 


Nothing  in  my  hand  I  bring. 
Simply  to  Thy  cross  I  cling  ; 
Naked,  come  to  Thee  for  dress  ; 
Helpless,  look  to  Thee  for  grace  ; 
Black,  I  to  the  fountain  fly  ; 
Wash  me.  Saviour,  or  I  die. 

While  I  draw  this  fleeting  breath, 
When  my  eyelids  close  in  death, 
When  I  soar  to  worlds  unknown. 
See  Thee  on  Thy  judgment-throne. 
Rock  of  ages,  shelter  me, 
Let  me  hide  myself  in  Thee. 


i\\i\\  in  Clrist. 


Y  faith  looks  up  to  Thee, 
Thou  Lamb  of  Calvary, 

Saviour  divine. 
Now  hear  me  while  I  pray. 
Take  all  my  guilt  away, 
Oh  let  me  from  this  day 

Be  wholly  Thine. 


While  life's  dark  maze  I  tread. 
And  griefs  around  me  spread. 

Be  Thou  my  guide. 
Bid  darkness  turn  to  day, 
Wipe  sorrow's  tears  away, 
Nor  let  me  ever  stray 

From  Thee  aside. 


May  Thy  rich  grace  impart 
Strength  to  my  fainting  heart. 

My  zeal  inspire  ; 
As  Thou  hast  died  for  me, 
Oh  may  my  love  to  Thee 
Pure,  warm  and  changeless  be, 

A  living  fire. 


When  ends  life's  transient  dream. 
When  death's  cold  sullen  stream 

Shall  o'er  me  roll  ; 
Dear  Saviour,  then  in  love 
Fear  and  distrust  remove. 
And  bear  me  safe  above, 

A  ransomed  soul. 


C//A'/\7'/.l  X   L  VRIC.S. 


i6i 


tm\{  to  }k$\\$. 


ESUS  in  Thy  memory  keep, 
Wouldst  thou  be  God's  child 
and  friend  ; 
Jesus  in  thy  heart  shrined  deep, 

Still  thy  gaze  on  Jesus  bend, 
In  thy  toiling,  in  thy  resting, 
Look  to  Him  with  every  breath. 
Look  to  Jesus'  life  and  death. 


Look  to  Jesus  till,  reviving. 

Faith  and  love  thy  life-springs  swell, 
Strength  for  all  things  good  deriving 

From  Him  who  did  all  things  well  : 
Work,  as  He  did,  in  thy  season. 
Works  which  shall  not  fade  away. 
Work  while  it  is  called  to-dav. 


Look  to  Jesus,  prayerful,  waking. 
When  thy  feet  on  roses  tread  ; 

Follow,  worldly  pomp  forsaking. 
With   thy   cross   where    He   hath 
led. 

Look  to  Jesus  in  temptation  ; 

Baffled  shall  the  tempter  flee. 

And  God's  angels  come  to  thee. 

Look  to  Jesus  when  dark  lowering 

Perils  thy  horizon  dim, 
By  that  band  in  terror  cowering, 

Calm  midst  tempests,  look  to  Him. 
Trust  in  Him  who  still  rebuketh 
Wind  and  billow,  fire  and  flood  ; 
Forward  !  brave  by  trusting  God. 


Look  to  Jesus  when  distressed, 
See  what  He,  the  Holy,  bore  ; 

Is  thy  heart  with  conflict  pressed  .■" 
Is  thy  soul  still  harassed  sore? 

See  His  sweat  of  blood.  His  conflict. 

Watch  His  agony  increase. 

Hear  His  prayer,  and  feel  His  peace  I 


^^^^^  HERE  is  a  name  I  love  to  hear, 
^1^^^      I  love  to  speak  its  worth  ; 
^Vw^P^  It  sounds  like  music  in  mine  ear, 
^^a^^T      "^'^^  sweetest  name  on  earth. 


?tcsus. 


It  tells  me  of  a  Saviours  love, 
Who  died  to  set  me  free  ; 

It  tells  me  of  His  precious  blood 
The  sinner's  perfect  plea. 


l62 


CHRIS  TIA  N    L  YRICS. 


It  tells  me  of  a  Father's  smile 

Beaming  upon  His  child  ; 
It  cheers  me  through  this  "  little  while," 

Through  desert,  waste,    and  wild. 

It  tells  mc  what  my  Father  hath 

In  store  for  every  day, 
And  though  1  tread  a  darksome  path, 

Yields  sunshine  all  the  way. 

It  tells  of  One  whose  loving  heart 

Can  feel  my  deepest  woe. 
Who  in  my  sorrow  bears  a  part, 

That  none  can  bear  below. 


It  bids  my  trembling  soul  rejoice. 

It  dries  each  rising  tear  ! 
It  tells  me,  in  a  "still  small  voice," 

To  trust,  and  not  to  fear. 

Jesus  !  the  name  I  love  so  well. 

The  name  I  love  to  hear  ! 
No  saint  on  earth  its  worth  can  tell. 

No  heart  conceive  how  dear. 

This  name  shall  shed  its  fragrance  still 

Along  this  thorny  road  : 
Shall  sweetly  smooth  the  rugged  hill 

That  leads  me  up  to  God. 


And  there,  with  all  the  blood-bought  throng, 

From  sin  and  sorrow  free, 
I'll  sing  the  new  eternal  song 

Of  Jesus'  love  for  me. 


51  (Litn  tiriit  Imtir  founiiiitious. 


e-' 


EYOND  the  dark  and  stormy  bound 
That  guards  our  dull  horizon  round, 

A  lovelier  landscape  swells  ; 
Resplendent  seat  of  light  and  peace, 
In  thee  the  sounds  of  conflict  cease. 

And  glory  ever  dwells. 

For  thee  the  early  patriarch  sighed. 
Thy  distant  beauty  faint  descried. 

And  hailed  the  blest  abode  ; 
A  stranger  here,  he  sought  a  home 
Fixed  in  a  city  yet  to  come, 

The  citv  of  his  God. 


Oft  by  Siloa's  sacred  stream. 

In  heavenly  trance  and  raptured  dream, 

To  Hiithful  Israel  shewn, 
Triumphant  over  all  our  foes, 
The  true  celestial  Salem  rose, 

Jehovah's  promised  throne. 


We  too,  O  Lord,  would  seek  that  land, 
Follow  the  tribes  that  crowd  its  strand. 

From  every  peril  saved  ; 
And  wake  as  when,  in  elder  time. 
Were  marshalled  all  Thy  hosts  sublime, 
And  hiirh  Thv  banner  wa\'cd. 


Siibbatl]. 

F'TER  long  days  of  storm  and  showers, 
Of  sighing  winds  and  dripping  bowers, 
How  sweet  at  morn  to  ope  our  eyes 

^  On  newly  swept  and  garnished  skies. 

To  miss  the  cloud  and  driving  rain, 
And  see  that  all  is  bright  again. 
So  bright  we  cannot  choose  but  say, 
"Is  this  the  world  of  yesterday?" 

E'en  so,  methinks,  the  .Sabbath  brings 
A  change  o'er  all  familiar  things  ; 
A  change  we  know  not  whence  it  came, 
They  are,  and  they  are  not  the  same. 


There  is  a  spell  within,  around, 
On  eye  and  ear,  on  sight  and  sound, 
And,  loth  or  willing,  they  and  we 
Must  own  this  day  a  mystery. 

Sure  all  things  wear  a  heavenly  dress, 
Which  sancifies  their  loveliness  ; 
Types  of  that  endless  resting-day,  ' 
When  we  shall  all  be  changed  as  they. 

To-day  our  peaceful,  ordered  home, 
Foreshadoweth  mansions  yet  to  come, 
We  foretaste,  in  domestic  love, 
The  faultless  charities  above. 

And  as,  at  yester-eventide. 
Our  tasks  and  toys  were  laid  aside, 
So  here,  we're  training  for  the  day 
When  \\e  shall  lay  them  down  for  aye. 

But  not  alone  for  musing  deep. 
Our  souls  this  "day  of  days"  would  keep. 
Yet  other  glorious  things  than  these. 
The  Christian  in  his  sabbath  sees. 

His  eyes  by  faith  his  Lord  behold, 
How  on  the  week's  "first  day"  of  old 
f>om  hell  He  rose,  on  earth  He  trod. 
Was  seen  of  men,  and  went  to  God. 

And  as  we  fondly  pause  to  look. 
When  in  some  daily-handled  book, 
Approval's  well-known  tokens  stand, 
Traced  by  some  dear  and  thoughtful  hand  ; 

E'en  so  there  shines  one  day  in  seven. 
Bright  with  the  special  mark  of  heaven, 
That  we  with  love  and  praise  may  dwell 
On  Him  who  loveth  us  so  well. 


CHK/S  ri,l\  L]-R/CS.  i6; 


Whether  in  meditative  walk 
Alone  with  God  and  heaven  we  talk, 
Catching  the  simple  chime  which  calls 
Our  feet  to  some  old  church's  walls, — 

Or,  passed  within  the  church's  door. 
Where  poor  are  rich,  and  rich  are  poor, 
We  pray  the  prayers,  and  hear  the  word, 
WHiich  there  our  fathers  prayed  and  heard. 

Or  represent  in  solemn  wise. 
Our  all-prevailing  Sacrifice, 
Feeding  in  communion  high 
The  life  of  fixith  which  cannot  die. 

And  surely,  in  a  world  like  this. 
So  rife  with  woe,  so  scant  of  bliss. 
Where  fondest  hopes  are  often  crossed. 
And  fondest  hearts  are  severed  most, — 

'Tis  something  that  we  kneel  and  pray, 
W^ith  loved  ones  near  and  far  away. 
One  God,  one  faith,  one  hope,  one  care. 
One  form  of  words,  one  hour  of  prayer. 

'Tis  past,  yet  pause  till  ear  and  heart. 
In  one  brief  silence  ere  we  part, 
Something  of  that  high  strain  have  caught 
The  peace  of  God  which  passeth  aught. 

Then  turn  we  to  our  earthly  homes, 
Not  doubting  but  that  Jesus  comes, 
Breathing  his  peace  on  hall  and  hut, 
"  At  even  when  the  doors  are  shut," — 

Then  speeds  us  on  our  earthly  waj-. 
And  hallows  ever)'  common  day. 
Without  Him  Sunday's  self  were  dim, 
And  all  are  bright  if  spent  with  Him. 


$md  txmx  6olr. 


UIET  from  God,  it  cometh  not  to  still 
The  vast  and  high  aspirings  of  the  soul, 
The  deep  emotions  that  the  spirit  fill. 
And  speed  its  purpose  onward  to  the  goal. 

It  dims  not  youth's  bright  eye, 

Bends  not  joy's  lofty  brow  ; 

No  guileless  ecstacy 

Need  in  its  presence  bow. 


It  comes  not  in  a  sullen  form  to  place 
Life's  greatest  good  in  an  inglorious  rest, 
>    Through  a  dull  beaten  track  its  way  to  trace, 
^■r  And  to  lethargic  slumber  lulls  the  breast. 
-^  Action  may  be  its  sphere, 

Mountain  paths,  boundless  fields. 
O'er  billows  its  career  ; 
This  is  the  strength  it  yields. 

To  sojourn  in  the  world  and  yet  apart, 

To  dwell  with  God,  and  yet  with  man  to  feel, 

To  bear  about  for  ever  in  the  heart 

The  gladness  that  His  Spirit  doth  reveal. 

Not  to  deem  evil  gone 

From  every  earthly  scene. 

To  see  the  storm  come  on, 

But  feel  His  shield  between. 


It  giveth  not  a  power  to  human  kind 
To  lay  all  suffering  powerless  at  His  feet, 
But  keeps  within  the  temple  of  the  mind 
A  golden  altar  and  a  mercy  seat, 

A  spiritual  ark. 

Bearing  the  peace  of  God 

Above  the  waters  dark 

And  o'er  the  desert-sod. 


How  beautiful  within  our  souls  to  keep 
This  treasure  the  All-merciful  hath  given, 
To  feel,  when  we  awake  and  when  we  sleep, 
Its  incense  round  us  like  a  breath  from  heaven. 

(2uiet  at  heart  and  home, 

Where  the  heart's  joys  begin, 

(2uiet  where'er  we  roam. 

Quiet  around,  within. 

What  shall  make  trouble  ?    not  the  adverse  minds 

That  like  a  shadow  o'er  creation  lower. 

The  spirit  peace  hath  so  attuncjd,  finds 

There  feelings  that  may  own  the  Calmer's  power. 

What  may  she  not  confer, 

E'en  whilst  she  must  condemn  ? 

They  take  not  peace  from  her. 

She  may  speak  peace  to  them. 

What  shall  make  trouble }    not  an  adverse  fate, 

Not  chilling  poverty  or  worldly  care, 

They  who  are  tending  to  a  better  state 

Want  but  that  peace  to  make  them  feel  they  are  ; 

Care  o'er  life's  little  day 

The  tempest-clouds  may  roll, 

Peace  o'er  its  eve  shall  play. 

The  moonlight  of  the  soul. 

What  shall  make  trouble?    not  the  holy  thought 
Of  the  departed — that  shall  be  a  part 
Of  the  undying  things  that  peace  hath  wrought 
Into  a  world  of  beauty  in  the  heart, 

Not  the  forms  passed  away 

That  life's  strong  current  bore. 

Though  the  stream  might  not  stay, 

The  ocean  shall  restore. 

What  shall  m.ake  trouble?    not  slow-wasting  pain, 
Not  the  impending,  certain  stroke  of  death  : 
These  do  but  wear  away,  then  snap,  the  chain 
That  binds  the  spirit  down  to  things  beneath, 

The  quiet  of  the  grave 

No  trouble  can  destroy. 

He  who  is  strong  to  save 

Shall  break  it  but  with  joy. 


1 68 


CHRISTIAN   L  YRICS. 


'^^.v'-\- 


E    must  not  doubt,  or   fear,  or  dread,  that   love    for  life 

is  only  given, 
And  that  the  calm  and  sainted  dead  will  meet  estranged 

and  cold  in  heaven  : — 
Oh !    love   were    poor    and   vain    indeed,  based   on    so 

harsh  and  stern  a  creed. 

True    that    this    earth    must    pass    away,    with    all    the 

starry  worlds  of  light. 
With  all   the   glory  of  the   day,  and   calmer   tenderness 

of  night  ; 
For,  in  that  radiant  home  can  shine  alone  the  immortal 

and  divine. 


Earth's  lower  things — her  pride,  her  fame,  her  science,  learning,  wealth, 

and  power, 
Slow  growths,  that  through  long  ages  came,  or  fruits  of  some  convulsive 

hour, 
Whose  very  memory  must  decay — heaven  is  too  pure  for  such  as  they. 

They  are  complete  :  their  work  is  done.     So  let  them  sleep  in  endless 

rest ; 
Love's  life  is  only  here  begun,  nor  is,  nor  can  be,  fully  blest  ; 
It  has  no  room  to  spread  its  wings,  amid  this  crowd  of  meaner  things. 


Just  for  the  very  shadow  thrown  upon  its  sweetness  here  below, 
The  cross  that  it  must  bear  alone,  and  bloody  baptism  of  woe. 
Crowned  and  completed    through    its    pain,  we    know  that  it  shall    rise 


So  if  its  flame  burn  pure  and   bright,  here,  where  our  air  is  dark  and 

dense. 
And  nothing  in  this  world  of  night  lives  with  a  living  so  intense  ; 
When  it  shall   reach   its    home   at   length— how  bright    its   light  I    how 

strong  its  strength  ! 


And    wliilc    tlic   vain   weak    lows    of   earth   (for   such    base   counterfeits 

abound) 
Shall   perish  with  what    ga\e    tlieni    birth,  their   graves    arc   green    and 

fresh  around. 
No  funeral  song  shall   need  to  rise,  for  the  true  love  that  never  dies. 

n  in  my  heart   1   now  could  fear  that,  risen  again  we  should  not  know 
What  was   our   life  of  life    when    here — the    hearts  we    loved    so    much 

below-  ; 
I   would  arise  this  very  day,  and  cast  so  poor  a  thing  away. 

But  love  is  no  such  soulless  clod  :     living,  perfected,  it  shall  rise 
Transfigured  in  the  light  of  God,  and  giving  glory  to  the  skies  : 
And   that   which   makes   this   life   so   sweet,  shall   render   heaven's  joy 
complete. 


P 


ibing. 


.-VFTER    A    DEATH. 
'■  'I'liat fricrid  of  iiiiiie  w/to  Ihvs  hi  Goii." 

H  live! 
(Thus  seems  it  we  should  say  to  our  beloved, 
Kach  held  b\'  such  slight  links  so  oft  removed  :) 
And   I   can  let  thee  go  to  the  world's  end  ; 
All  precious  names,  companion,  love,  spouse,  friend, 
.Seal  up  in  an  eternal  silence  grey, 
Like  a  closed  grave,  till  resurrection-day  ; 
All  sweet  remembrances,  hopes,  dreams,  desires. 
Heap,  as  one  heaps  up  sacrificial  fires  ; 
Then  turning,  consecrate  by  loss,  and  proud 
Of  penury — go  back  into  the  loud 
Tumultuous  world  again  with  never  a  moan, 
.Save  that  which  whispers  still  "  My  own,  my  own," 
Under  the  same  broad  sky  whose  arch  immense 
Enfolds  us  both  like  the  arm  of  Providence  : 
And  thus  contented  I  could  live  or  die. 
With  never  clasp  of  hand  or  meeting  eye 
On  this  side  Paradise. — While  thee  I  see 
Living  to  God,  thou  art  alive  to  mc. 


Oh  live  ! 

And   I,  methinks,  can  let  all  dear  rights  go, 

Fond  duties  melt  away  like  April  snow, 

And  sweet,  sweet  hopes,  that  took  a  life  to  weave, 

Vanish  like  gossamers  of  autumn  eve. 

Nay,  sometimes  seems  it  I  could  even  bear 

To  lay  down  humbly  the  love-crown  I  wear. 

Steal  from  my  palace,  helpless,  hopeless,  poor, 

And  see  another  queen  it  at  the  door — 

If  only  that  the  king  had  done  no  wrong, 

If  this  my  palace,  where   I  dwelt  so  long. 

Were  not  defiled  by  falsehood  entering  in  : 

There  is  no  loss  but  change,  no  death  but  sin, 

No  parting,  save  the  slow  corrupting  pain 

Of  murdered  faith  that  never  lives  again. 

Oh  hve! 

(So  endeth  faint  the  low  pathetic  cry 

Of  love,  whom  death  hath  taught,  love  cannot  die) 

And   1   can  stand  above  the  daisy-bed. 

The  only  pillow  for  thy  dearest  head, 

There  cover  up  for  ever  from  my  sight 

My  own,  my  own,  my  all  of  earth-delight  ; 

And  enter  the  sea-cave  of  widowed  years. 

Where  far,  far  off,  the  trembling  gleam  appears 

Through  which  thy  heavenly  image  slipped  away, 

And  waits  to  meet  me  at  the  open  day. 

Only  to  me,  my  love,  only  to  me 

This  cavern  underneath  the  moaning  sea  ; 

This  long,  long  life  that   I   alone  must  tread  ; 

To  whom  the  living  seem  most  like  the  dead. 

Thou  wilt  be  safe  out  on  the  happy  shore  ; 

He  who  in   God  lives,  liveth  evermore. 


|or  cbcr  Imtli  the  ?Corlt. 

SWEET  home-echo  on  the  pilgrim's  way, 

Thrice  welcome  message  from  a  land  of  light, 

As  through  a  clouded  sky  the  moonbeams  stray, 
So  on  eternity's  deep  shrouded  night 

Streams  a  mild  radiance,  from  that  cheering  word, 
"  So  shall  we  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord." 

At  home  with  Jesus  I     He  who  went  before, 
For  his  own  people  mansions  to  prepare  ; 

The  soul's  deep  longings  stilled,  its  conflicts  o'er. 
All  rest  and  blessedness  with  Jesus  there,— 

What  home  like  this  can  the  wide  earth  afford  ? 
"  So  shall  we  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord."" 

With   Ilim  all  gathered  I    to  that  blessed  home, 
'I'hrough  all  its  windings,  still  the  pathway  tends  ; 

While  ever  and  anon  bright  glimpses  come 
Of  that  fair  city  where  the  journey  ends. 

Where  all  of  bliss  is  centred  in  one  word, 
"  So  shall  we  be  for  ever  with  the   Lord." 


172  CHRISTIAN   LYRICS. 


Here  kindred  hearts  are  severed  far  and  wide, 
By  many  a  weary  mile  of  land  and  sea, 

Or  life's  all  varied  cares,  and  paths  divide  ; — 
But  yet  a  joyful  gathering  shall  be, 

The  broken  links  repaired,  the  lost  restored, 
"  So  shall  we  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord." 

And  is  there  ever  perfect  union  here  ? 

Oh  !     daily  sins  lamented  and  confessed. 
They  come  between  us  and  the  friends  most  dear. 

They  mar  our  blessedness  and  break  our  rest. 
With  life  we  have  the  evils  long  deplored, 

"  So  shall  we  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord." 

All  prone  to  error — none  set  wholly  free 

From  the  old  serpent's  soul-ensnaring  chain, 

The  truths  one  child  of  God  can  clearly  see. 
He  seeks  to  make  his  brother  feel  in  vain  ; 

But  all  shall   harmonize  in  heaven's  full  chord, 
"  So  shall   we  be  for  ever  with  the   Lord." 

O  precious  promise,  mercifully  given. 

Well  may  it  hush  the  wail  of  earthly  woe  ; 

O'er  the  dark  passage  to  the  gates  of  heaven. 
The  light  of  hope  and  resurrection  throw. 

Thanks  for  the  blessed  life-inspiring  word, 
"  So  shall  we  be  for  ever  with  the  Lord." 


^, 


gloniing. 


'  His  coiv.passionsfail  7iot. 

Lam.  iii.  i?.,  23. 


They  are  tieiu  every  ttiornhig.' 


UES  of  the  rich  unfolding  morn, 
That,  ere  the  glorious  sun  be  born. 
By  some  soft  touch  invisible 
Around  his  path  are  taught  to  swell  ;  — 

Thou  rustling  breeze,  so  fresh  and  gay 
That  danceth  forth  at  opening  day, 
And,  brushing  by  with  joyous  wing, 
Wakenest   each  little  leaf  to  sing  ; 

Ye  fragrant  clouds  of  dewy  steam. 
By  which  deep  grove  and  tangled  stream 
ip    Pay,  for  soft  rains  in  season  gi\en, 
'"^i^   Their  tribute  to  the  genial  heaven  :— 

Why  waste  your  treasures  of  delight 
Upon  our  thankless,  joyless  sight  ; 
Who,  day  by  day  to  sin  awake, 
Seldom  of  heaven  and  you  partake  ? 


'74 


CHRIST/ AX  L  VRIC.S. 


Oh  !  timely  happy,  timely  wise, 
Hearts  that  with  rising  morn  arise  ! 
Eyes  that  the  beam  celestial. view, 
Which  evermore  makes  all  things  new  ! 

New  every  morning  is  the  love 
Our  wakening  and  uprising  prove  ; 
Through   sleep  and    darkness    safely 

brought, 
Restored  to  life,  and  power,  and  thought. 

New  mercies,  each  returning  day, 
Hover  around  us  while  we  pray  ; 
New  perils  past,  new  sins  forgiven. 
New  thoughts  of  God,  new  hopes  of 
heaven. 

If,  in  our  daily  course,  our  mind 
Be  set  to  hallow  all  we  find. 
New  treasures  still,  of  countless  price, 
God  wnll  provide  for  sacrifice. 

Old  friends,  eld  scenes,  will  lovelier  be. 
As  more  of  heaven  in  each  we  see  : 
Some  softening  gleam  of  loveand  prayer 
Shall  dawn  on  every  cross  and  care. 

As  for  some  dear  familiar  strain 
Untired  we  ask,  and  ask  again, 
Ever,  in  its  melodious  store. 
Finding  a  spell  unheard  before. 


Such  is  the  bliss  of  souls  serene. 
When  they  have  sworn,  and  steadfast 

mean. 
Counting  the  cost  in  all  t'  espy 
Their  God,  in  all  themselves  deny. 

O  could  we  learn  that  sacrifice, 
What  lights  would  all  around  us  rise  ! 
How  would  our  hearts  with  wisdom  talk 
Along  life's  dullest,  dreariest  walk  I 

We  need  not  bid,  for  cloistered  cell. 
Our  neighbour  and  our  work  farewell. 
Nor  strive  to  wind  ourselves  too  high 
For  sinful  man  beneath  the  sky  : 

The  tri\ial  round,  the  common  task. 
Would  furnish  all  we  ought  to  ask  : 
Room  to  deny  ourselves  ;  a  road 
To  bring  us  daily  nearer  God. 

Seek  we  no  more  ;  content  with  these, 
Let  present  rapture,  comfort,  ease. 
As  heaven   shall  bid  them  come  and 

go:— 
The  secret  this  of  rest  below. 

Only,  O  Lord,  in  Thy  dear  love 
Fit  us  for  perfect  rest  above  ; 
And  help  us  this  and  every  day. 
To  live  more  nearly  as  we  pray. 


M;l®^ 


(L-bcnmg. 


"  Abide  with  us :  for  it  is  toumrds  c7'CHing,  and  tlie  day  is  far  spent. 
Luke  xxlv.  2g. 


S  gone,  that  bright  and  orbed  Ijlaze, 
Fast  fading  from  our  wistful  gaze  ; 
Yon  manthng  cloud  has  hid  from  sight 
The  last  f;iint  pulse  of  quivering  light. 

In  darkness  and  in  weariness 
The  traveller  on  his  way  must  press, 
No  gleam  to  watch  on  tree  or  tower, 
Whiling  away  the  lonesome  hour. 

Sun  of  my  soul  I    Thou  Saviour  dear, 
It  is  not  night  if  Thou  be  near  : 
Oh  I  may  no  earth-born  cloud  arise 
To  hide  Thee  from  Thy  servant's  eyes. 

When  round  'I"hy  wondrous  works  below 
My  searching  rapturous  glance   I   throw, 
Tracing  out  wisdom,  power,  and  love. 
In  earth  or  sky,  in  stream  or  grove  ; 


1/6 


CHRISTIAN  LYRICS. 


Or  by  the  light  Thy  words  disclose 
Watch  time's  full  river  as  it  flows, 
Scanning  Thy  gracious  providence, 
Where  not  too  deep  for  mortal  sense  :- 

When  with  dear  friends  sweet  talk  I 

hold. 
And  all  the  flowers  of  life  unfold  ; 
Let  not  my  heart  within  me  burn, 
Except  in  all  I  Thee  discern. 

When  the  soft  dews  of  kindly  sleep 

My  wearied  eyelids  gently  steep, 

Be   my   last    thought   how    sweet    to 

rest 
For  ever  on  my  Saviour's  breast. 

Abide  with  me  from  morn  till  eve, 
For  without  Thee  I  cannot  live  : 
Abide  with  me  when  night  is  nigh, 
For  without  Thee  I  dare  not  die. 


Thou  framcr  of  the  light  and  dark, 
Steer  through  the  tempest  Thine  own 

ark  : 
Amid  the  howling  wintry  sea 
We  are  in  port  if  we  have  Thee. 

Oh  !  by  Thine  own  sad  burthen,  borne 
So  meekly  up  the  hill  of  scorn. 
Teach    Thou  Thy  priests  their  daily 

cross 
To  bear  as  Thine,  nor  count  it  loss  ! 

If  some  poor  wandering  child  of  Thine 
Have  spurned  to-day  the  voice  divine, 
Now,  Lord,  the  gracious  work  begin  ; 
Let  him  no  more  lie  down  in  sin. 

Watch  by  the  sick  ;  enrich  the  poor 
With  blessings  from  Thy  boundless 

store : 
Be  every  mourner's  sleep  to-night 
Like  infants'  slumbers,  pure  and  light. 


Come  near  and  bless  us  when  we  wake. 
Ere  through  the  world  our  way  we  take  : 
Till  in  the  ocean  of  Thy  love 
We  lose  ourselves  in  heaven  above. 


I  N  D  E  X. 

PAGE 

Abide  with  me  ;  fast  falls  the  eventide 

••       43 

After  long  days  of  storm  and  showers 

..     163 

Ah!  not  alone  the  murderous  blade 

..       48 

A  little  brook  went  singing 

..       56 

A  little  cloud  was  fashioned 

20 

•All  night  the  lonely  suppliant  prayed 

30 

Alway  imploring  palms  we  raise  toward  heaven 

■■      143 

And  He  drew  near  and  talked  with  them    ... 

••      157 

As  the  harp  strings  only  render 

121 

As  those  that  watch  for  the  day         

•■       76 

Beyond  the  dark  and  stormy  bound  ... 

..     162 

Birds  have  their  quiet  nest 

102 

Calm  on  the  bo.som  of  thy  God 

92 

Christ,  whose  glory  fills  the  skies 

..       85 

Come,  my  soul,  awake,  'tis  morning 

..      126 

Cometh  sunshine  after  rain     ... 

..     117 

Commit  thou  all  thy  griefs     ... 

41 

Commit  thy  way  to  God 

71 

Count  not  the  days  that  have  idly  flown 

70 

Faith,  hope,  charity — these  three      

•       52 

Father  and  Friend  !   Thy  light.  Thy  love     ... 

..      46 

Father,  I  bring  this  worthless  child  to  Thee 

103 

Father,  I  know  that  all  my  life          

■■       37 

Father  of  love  and  power       

■     152 

Father,  Thy  will,  not  mine  be  done 

..     116 

Father!  whate'er  of  earthly  bliss 

..       66 

For  ever  with  the  Lord  ! 

94 

For  the  love  of  the  true-hearted 

135 

Forth  from  the  dark  and  stormy  sky             ...          ...          

85 

Give  as  the  morning  that  flows  out  of  heaven  !        

'45 

Glorious  things  of  Thee  are  spoken 

100 

178                                                     INDEX. 

Glorious  was  th.at  primeval  light        

PAGE 

...    132 

Go  when  the  morning  shineth 

...       88 

God  be  with  thee,  my  beloved,  God  l)e  with  thee  ! 

...       42 

God  doth  not  leave  His  own  ... 

...      141 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way 

•••      135 

Gracious  Spirit,  dwell  with  me 

...     106 

Hail  to  the  Lord's  anointed    ... 

...      142 

Half  feeling  our  own  weakness 

■■•      159 

Hast  thou  not  seen  at  break  of  day   ... 

...       27 

Heavenward  doth  our  journey  tend  .. . 

...       62 

Holy  Saviour,  Friend  unseen 

121 

Hues  of  the  rich  vmfolding  morn        

•••      173 

I  am  old  and  blind 

•■•       39 

I  have  a  wondrous  house  to  build 

...       68 

I  heard  the  voice  of  Jesus  say 

...     129 

I  hoped  that  with  the  brave  and  strong 

■  ■■       73 

I  like  that  ancient  Saxon  phrase,  which  calls           

...     149 

In  silence  mighty  things  are  wrought 

...     156 

In  the  mid  silence  of  the  voiceless  night       

..     125 

I  shine  in  the  light  of  God      

...     148 

It  came  upon  the  midnight  clear        

...       81 

It  is  a  place  where  poets  crowned  may  feel  the  heart's  decaying  . . . 

...     136 

Jesus  in  Thy  memoiy  keep     ... 

...     161 

Judge  not  ;  the  workings  of  his  brain 

■••       53 

Just  as  I  am,  without  one  plea 

...       89 

Kind  hearts  are  here,  yet  would  the  tenderest  one  ... 

...     141 

Light  of  lights,  enlighten  me 

...     114 

Lord,  and  what  shall  this  man  do  ?   ... 

...       33 

Lord,  I  am  come  alone  with  Thee    ... 

...     "5 

Lord  !  we  sit  and  cry  to  Thee 

...       78 

Lord,  what  a  change  within  us  one  .short  hour        

...       87 

"  Lovest  thou  me?"  I  hear  my  Saviour  say... 

...     108 

Lowly  and  solemn  be  ... 

...     129 

Much  have  I  borne,  but  not  as  I  should  bear 

...     123 

My  God  I  thank  Thee  who  hast  made 

...     123 

My  faith  looks  up  to  Thee      

...     1 60 

IXDEX.                                                    179 

I'AGE 

Nearer,  my  tJod,  to  Thee       

...        120 

Never  hasting,  never  resting  ... 

...           25 

Nothing  resting  in  its  own  completeness 

119 

Not  in  tiie  solitude 

.              ...           58 

Nought  see  we  here  as  yet  in  full  perfection 

...           29 

Of  all  the  thoughts  of  God  that  are 

...           15 

Oh  for  a  heart  to  praise  my  God 

...        106 

Oh  live  I  Thus  seems  it  we  should  say  to  our  beloved 

...        169 

Oh  talk  to  me  of  heaven,  I  love 

...          92 

0  sweet  home  echo  on  the  pilgrim's  way     ... 

...        171 

Once  slow  and  .sad  the  evening  fell    ... 

...        109 

One  sweetly  solemn  thought  ... 

...           90 

Onward!  the  goal  thou  seekest 

...           24 

Pleasant  are  Thy  courts  above 

...        Ill 

Quiet  from  God  !  it  comelh  not  to  still 

...        166 

Redeemed,  redeemed! 

...        146 

Robin,  to  the  bare  bough  clinging     ... 

.              ...           83 

Rock  of  ages,  cleft  for  me       

...        160 

Sa\aour  divine,  we  bend  before  Thee  lowly 

...        105 

Saviour  of  men,  and  Lord  of  love 

...        lOI 

See  !  the  dull  dense  clouds  are  breaking      

...       77 

She,  'neath  ice-mountains  vast 

...      47 

Sold  by  them  that  .should  have  loved  thee 

...     130 

Some  murmur  when  their  sky  is  clear 

...     124 

Songs  of  praise  the  angels  sang 

...     118 

Source  of  my  life's  refreshing  springs 

32 

Sjjcak  gently  !  it  is  better  far             

..       51 

Still  evermore  for  some  great  strength  we  pray       

...       50 

Still  nigh  me,  0  my  Saviour,  stand  ...          

108 

Strive  ;  yet  I  do  not  promise             

...       32 

Sweet  brooklet ;  ever  gliding            

■■•       59 

Take  them,  0  Death,  and  bear  away           

35 

Tell  me  not,  in  mournful  numbers 

•54 

The  l)aby  wept             

...       96 

The  blue  Egean's  countless  waves  in  Sabbath  sunlight  smiled 

...     112 

The  golden  morn  flames  up  the  eastern  sky             

...       61 

i8o                                                    INDEX. 

PAGE 

The  hours  are  viewless  angels            

•■         155 

The  ivy  in  a  dungeon  grew    ... 

22 

The  last  sand  from  Time's  hour  glass 

.              ...          67 

The  quiet  Sabbath  sunshine  played  ... 

...        134 

The  servant  of  God  is  on  his  way 

.             ...        138 

The  way  seems  dark  about  me,  overhead 

...        157 

There  is  a  name  I  love  to  hear 

161 

They  came,  they  went :  of  pleasures  passed  away  ... 

...          29 

Think  gently  of  the  erring      

54 

This  world  I  deem       

.         ...       64 

Thou  art,  O  God,  the  life  and  light . 

...     144 

Thou,  who  didst  stoop  below             ... 

86 

Throughout  this  earth  in  stillness 

118 

Thy  love  shall  chant  itself  its  own  beatitudes 

••        35 

Thy  way,  not  mine,  O  Lord  ... 

...       71 

'Tis  gone,  that  bright  and  orbed  blaze 

175 

'Twas  long  ago  in  olden  time 

...     127 

Under  the  bowering  honeysuckle 

•••      55 

Walk  in  the  light,  and  thou  shalt  own 

143 

We  ask  for  peace,  O  Lord  !   ... 

...       17 

We  love  Thee,  Lord,  yet  not  alone  ... 

...      74 

We  must  not  doubt,  or  fear,  or  dread,  that  love  for  life  is  only  gi 

yen     ...      168 

We  seek  that  land  whose  light  e'en  now      

.          ...       96 

We  would  see  Jesus,  for  the  shadows  lengthen 

...       91 

Wearied  and  worn  with  earthly  cares,  I  yielded  to  repose 

150 

What  must  it  be  to  dwell  above 

98 

What  no  human  eye  hath  seen 

...     147 

What  sudden  blaze  of  song    ... 

...       79 

When  first  our  Lord  came  down  on  earth  ... 

...     132 

When  in  the  silvery  moonlight 

153 

When  prayer  delights  thee  least,  then  learn  to  say 

19 

Whither,  midst  falling  dew    ... 

45 

Who  shall  ascend  to  the  holy  place  ? 

..       99 

Ye  dainty  mosses,  lichens  grey 

36 

LONDON:    PRINTED  BY  \V.  CLOWES  AND  SONS,  ST.\.MFORD  STRE 

ST, 

AND  CHARING  CROS.S. 

THK    ORTGTNAI.    KDITIOX 

111" 

Cljristiaii  f  iirits 

May  still  he  had  in  fcap.  Svo.,  cloth  extra,  price  3.r.  6<i.     London  :  Hamilton, 
Adams  &  Co. 

EXTRACTS  FROM   REVIEWS. 

'  This  is  one  of  the  most  attractive  volumes  we  have  seen.' 

'  The  book  includes  most  of  what  we  think  the  sweetest  and  truest  and  best  of  modern  Religious 
Poems.' 

'  We  know  of  no  recent  publication  of  the  same  kind  which  is  .so  excellent  throughout.  y\n  admirable 
selection,  and  the  book  is  quite  a  gem  in  paper,  printing,  and  binding.' 

'  Among  the  numerous  selections  of  sacred  poetry  which  appear  in  our  day,  it  is  very  rarely  that  wc 
meet  with  one  of  so  high  a  class  as  the  elegant  little  volume  before  us.' 


By  the  same  Compiler, 

f  atrr  f  iitits  of  \\n  Cljrrsttitn  ffjjurclj : 

A  Companion  Volume  to  "Christian  Lyrics."     Fcap.  8vo.  cloth  extra, 
price  3s.  6 1.     London  :  Hamilton,  Adams  &  Co. 

'This  is  a  graceful  and  elegant  little  volume,  for  which  we  may  predict  a  large  sale.  The  lyrics  arc 
well  selected,  and  comprise  some  of  the  choicest  specimens  of  modern  sacred  poetry.  Nimierous  as 
have  been  the  selections  of  poetry  both  secular  and  religious  which  have  been  published  of  late  years, 
the  public  taste  never  seems  to  weary  of  them,  and  the  present  work  deserves  to  take  its  place  among 
them  as  an  established  favourite.  It  is  intended  as  a  companion  volume  to  an  earlier  compilation  by 
the  same  hand  called  "Christian  Lyrics,"  and  to  form  with  that  earlier  compilation  a  collection  as 
nearly  complete  as  possible.     Certainly  no  pains  have  been  spared  to  attain  this  end' 


®|ow((Ijts  from  a  iirFs  Jife. 

Fcap.  Svo.  cloth  e.\tra.     Price  4?.  6d.     London  :    ]\Lvcmillan  &  Co. 

ATHEN>^UM. — '  This  is  a  little  volume  of  sweet  and  earnest  verses,  especially  addressed  to 
girls,  by  one  who  can  sympathize  with  them.  .  .  .  The  poems  are  all  of  them  graceful,  and  they  are 
marked  throughout  by  an  accent  of  reality. ' 

LONDON     REVIEW 'A   charming   unpretentious  collection   of  poems.      .     .     .     pleasant 

reading  for  men  as  well  as  maidens.  .  .  .  Her  poems  have  many  charming  elements,  above  all 
things,  truth.  Observation  of  nature,  feeling,  and  a  grave,  iju^et  vein  of  thought,  are  to  be  found  in 
these  pages.' 

MACMILLAN'S  MAGAZI  NE.— '  It  is  a  good  book  to  have  written,  good  and  true,  and 
valuable,  too^as  truth  always  is.  .  .  .  There  we  find  a  clear,  bro.ad,  pellucid  picture  of  a  girl's 
life.  .  .  .  Her  rhythm  is  smooth  and  musical ;  her  power  of  expression  clear  ;  her  style  terse  and 
Saxon.' 

SPECTATOR. — 'There  is  in  at  least  two  or  three  of  Miss  Fletcher's  poems  a  delicate  trans- 
parency and  music  which  raise  them  decidedly  above  the  level  of  mere  "  elegant  verses." ' 

ILLUSTRATED  LONDON  NEWS— 'These  poems  are  equally  admirable  in  point  of 
diction,  melody,  and  sentiment.' 

JOH  N    BU  LI '  Miss  Fletcher's  little  vf)lume  has  a  simple  tnith  and  quiet  beauty  of  its  own, 

which  will  win  many  a  response  from  the  interesting  readers  whom  she  more  particularly  addresses 
....  Her  ij.igcs  are  full  of  the  gentle  fancies  which  make  up  the  poetical  a.spcct  of  an  English 
girl's  life.' 

NONCON  FORM  1ST.— 'A  very  genuine  and  delightful  little  book,  deeply  thoughtful,  sweetly 
musical,  full  of  heart,  and  bathed  in  cheerful  piety.  There  is  an  exquisite  tenderness  in  the  two  or 
three  poems  that  have  facLs  for  their  material  ;  and  living  memories,  and  personal  affections  for  their 
inspiration.' 


September,  1867. 

%  .^election  from  tbc  Catalogue 

OF 

SAMPSON    LOW,  SON,  &  MARSTON, 

MILTON    HOUSE,    LUDGATE    HILL,    LONDON. 


THE  STORY  WITHOUT  AN  END.      From  the 

German  of  Carove.  By  Sarah  Austin.  Illustrated  with  Sixteen  Original 
Water-colour  Drawings  by  E.  V.  B.,  and  exquisitely  printed  in  facsimile  by 
Messrs.  Leighton  Brothers.  Crown  4to.,  cloth  extra.  In  preparation  for 
publication  immediately. 

TWO    CENTURIES    OF    SONG  ;    or,    Melodies, 

Madrigals,  Sonnets,  and  other  Occasional  Verse  of  the  English  Poets  of  the 
last  Two  Hundred  Years.  With  Critical  and  Biographical  Notes  by  Walter 
Thornbury.  Illustrated  by  Original  Pictures  of  eminent  Artists,  drawn  and 
engraved  especially  for  this  work.  Printed  on  toned  paper,  with  coloured 
borders,  designed  by  Henry  Shaw,  F.S.A.  Very  handsomely  bound,  with 
clasp,  piuce  One  Guinea  ;  morocco,  2/.  is. 

BISHOP  HEBERS  HYMNS.    An  Illustrated  Edition, 

with  upwards  of  One  Hundred  Designs.  Engraved,  in  the  first  style  of  art, 
under  the  superintendence  of  J.  D.  Cooper.  Small  4to.,  handsomely  bound, 
price  Half-a-Guinea  ;  morocco,  i8»'. 

EDGAR  A.  POKS  POEMS.     Illustrated  by  eminent 

Artists.     Small  4to.,  cloth  extra,  price  los.  6(/. ;  morocco  extra,  \l.  is. 

FAVOURITE    ENGLISH    POEMS.        Complete 

Edition.  Comprising  a  Collection  of  the  most  celebrated  Poems  in  the  English 
Language,  with  but  one  or  two  exceptions  unabridged,  fi^om  Chaucer  to  Tenny- 
son. With  Three  Hundred  Illustrations  by  the  first  Artists.  Two  vols,  royal 
Svo.,  half-bound,  top  gilt,  Roxburgh  style,  \l.  i8s.  ;  antique  calf,  3^  3s.  ; 
morocco  extra  (Haday),  3/.  15s. 

*,*  Either  volume  sold  separately  as  distinct  works,  i.  "Early  English 
Poems,  Chaucer  to  Dyer."  2.  "Favourite  English  Poems,  Thomson  to 
Tennyson."     Each  handsomely  bound  in  cloth,  il.  is. 

'  One  of  the  choicest  gift-hooks  of  the  year.  "  Favourite  EngtisJi  Poems"  is  not  a  toy-book,  to 
be  laid  for  a  loeek  on  the  Christmas  Tabte,  anii  tlien  tliroiiin  aside  ivith  tJw  sparkling  trijles  of 
the  Christmas  tree,  but  an  honest  book,  to  be  admired  in  the  season  of  pleasant  remejitbi-ances  for 
its  artistic  beauty  ;  and,  when  the  holidays  are  over,  to  he  placed  for  frequent  and  affectionate 
consultation  on  a  favourite  shelf — Athen^i:m. 

CHOICE    EDITIONS     OF     CHOICE    BOOKS. 

New    Editions.       Illustrated    by    C.    W.    Cope,    R.A.,    T.   Creswick,    R.A., 
Edward  Duncan,  Birket   Foster,  J.  C.   Horsley,  A.R.  A.,  George   Hicks,  R. 
Redgrave.  R.  A.,  C.  Slonehouse,  F.  Taylor,  George  Thomas,  H.  J.  Townshend, 
E.    H.    Wehnert,    Harrison   Weir,    &c.      Crown    Svo.,    cloth,    \s.    each  ;    mo- 
rocco, I  OS.  6d 
Bloomfield's    Farmer's    Boy. — Campbell's   Pleasures    of    Hope. — Cundall's    Eliza- 
bethan Poetry. — Coleridge's  Ancient  Mariner. — Goldsmith's  Deserted  Village. — 
Goldsmith's  Vicar  of  Wakefield. — Ciray's  Elegy  in  a  Churchyard. — Keat's  Eve  of 
St.  Agnes.- — Milton's  I'Allegro. — Rogers'  Pleasures  of  Memory. — .Shakespeare's 
Songs  and  .Sonnets. — Tennyson's  May  Queen.  —  WordsM'orth's  Pastoral  Poems. — 
Weir's  Poetry  of  Nature. 


A  Selection  from  Sainpsoii  /(W,  Son,  and  Aforstons  Cafd/oi^tc. 

MILTOX'S  PARADISE  LOST.     With  the  Origi- 

nal  Steel  Engravings  of  John  Martin.  Printed  on  large  paper,  royal  410., 
handsomely  bound,  3/.  13s.  6d.  ;  morocco  extra,  bound  by  A.  W.  Bain, 
5/.  15s.  6d. 

PICTURES  OF  SOCIETY,  GRA  VE  AND  GA  Y; 

comprising  One  Hundred  Engravings  on  wood.  Handsomely  bound  in  cloth, 
with  an  elaborate  and  novel  Design,  by  Messrs.  Leighton  and  Co.  Royal  8vo., 
price  i/.  IS.;  morocco  extra,  \l.  158. 

THE  DIVINE  AND  MORAL    SONGS  of  DR. 

WATTS.  A  new  and  very  choice  Edition.  Illustrated  with  One  Hundred 
Woodcuts  in  the  first  style  of  art,  from  Original  Designs  by  eminent  Artists ; 
engraved  by  J.  D.  Cooper.    Small  4to.,  cloth  extra,  price  7«.  6c?.;  morocco,  158. 

THE   POETRY  OF  NATURE.     Selected  and  Ulus- 

ti^ated  with  Thirty-six  Engravings  by  Harrison  Weir.  Small  4to.,  handsomely 
bound  in  cloth,  gilt  edges,  \2s.;  morocco,  \L  is.  A  New  Edition  of  the  same 
book,  uniform  with  "Choice  Editions,"  price  S''.     lleadij  in  October. 

SCHILLER'S  LA  Y  of  the  BELL.      Sir  E.  Bulwer 

Lytton's  Translation  ;  beautifully  illustrated  by  Forty-two  Wood  Engravings, 
drawn  by  Thomas  Scott,  and  engraved  by  J.  D.  Cooper,  after  the  Etchings  by 
Retszch.     Oblong  4to.,  cloth  extra,  14s.;  morocco,  25s. 

THE  PYRENEES,  from  an  Enghsh  and  French  Point 

of  View.  By  Henry  Blackburn,  Author  of  "Travelling  in  Spain  in  the 
Present  Day."  With  upwards  of  100  Illustrations  by  Gustave  Dore.  Royal 
8vo.,  1 8s. 

THE  GENTLE  LIFE:    Essays  in  Aid  of  the  For- 

mation  of  Character  of  Gentlemen  and  Gentlewomen.  Crown  8vo.  .Seventh 
Edition,  6s.  ;  calf  extra,  los.  bcl. 

A    SECOND    VOLUME  of  the  GENTLE  LIFE. 

Uniform  with  the  First  Series.     Second  Edition,  6s.  ;  calf  extra,  los.  6(7. 

ABOUT  IN  THE   WORLD:  Essays  uniform  with, 

and  by  the  Author  of  "  The  Gentle  Life."  Third  Edition.  Crown  8vo.,  6j-.  ; 
calf  extra,  los.  bd. 

FAMILIAR    WORDS;    an  Index  Verboriun,  or  Die- 

tionary  of  Quotation  of  Sentences  and  Phrases  which  have  become  embedded 

in  our  English  tongue.      Second  Edition,  revised  and  enlarged.      Crown  8vo., 

6s.  ;  calf  extra,  los.  (yd. 

'  A'ot  only  tlie  most  extoisive  Dictionary  0/ Quotations  iv/tich  7ue  Itaya  yet  7i:ct  with,  but  it 
has,  moreoz'er,  this  additional  merit,  tlutt  in  all  cases  an  exact  reference  i^  given  to  e7'ery  cliaptcr, 
act,  scene,  hook,  and  number  of  tlie  line.' — Notes  and  Queries. 

LIKE    UNTO    CHRIST.      A  New  Translation  of  the 

De  Imitatione  Christi,  usually  ascribed  to  Thomas  a  Kcmpis — forming  a  volume 
of  "The  Gentle  Life"  Series.     Crown  8vo.,  6s.  ;  calf  extra,  los.  6rf. 

THE  COUNTESS  of  PEMBROKES  ARCADIA. 

By  Sir  Philip  Svoney.  Edited,  with  Notes,  by  the  Auth(jr  of  ,  'The  Gentle 
Life."     .Small  post  8vo.,  7s.  bd. 

*^*  A   large  paper  edition,    witli    liroad    margin,    size    a    broad    Svo.,    half 
Roxburgh,  15s. 


"  S/^otlrss  and  /rarAss." 

THE    BAYAED   SERIES. 

CHOICE  BOOKS  FOR   COMPANIONSHIP  AT  HOME   AND   ABROAD. 

Dr  Johnson  said — 'After  all,  those  books  which  can  be  carried  to  the  fireside  and  read  thereat  are 
the  best  and  most  popular.'  Add  to  this,  excellence  of  printing  and  paper,  attractiveness,  elegance  of 
shape,  worthiness  of  subject,  soundness  and  purity,  and  we  have  all  that  Author  and  Publisher  can  give 
or  the  public  demand.  The  Publishers  wish  to  provide,  under  the  above  general  Title,  a  series  of 
Books  which  shall  be  not  mere  empty  shams,  in  gay  covers,  but  such  works  as  shall  be  worthy  of  being 
preserved  and  reverted  to  for  years  to  come.  The  "  Bayard  Series"  will  have  for  its  motto  -  "  Spotless 
and  Fearless"  (  "  Sans  peur  et  sans  reproche  " )  ;  and  as  the  Publishers  have  no  fear  of  their  success,  so 
they  can  have  no  reproach  should  they  fail. 

THE   SERIES   WILL   COMPRISE 

HISTORY,    BIOGRAPHY,    TRAVEL,    ESSAYS, 
NOVELETTES,    ANA,   &c., 

ir/t/'c/i,  juicier  an  Editor  of  k)i07un  taste  and  ability,  ivill  be  very  c/toicely  firiuted  on  toned  f>aper,  ivith 
J'ignctte  Title-page,  Notes,  ami  Index.  Size,  a  handsotne  161110.,  Z'ery  neatly  bound  in  cloth  extra, 
avei-aging about  ■2'zo pages  eacli  I'obune. 

Each  Volume,  comjlete  in  itself,  Price  Half-a-Crown. 

The  earlier  Volumes  will  consist  of 

THE    STORY  of  the  CHEVALIER    BAYARD, 

from  the  French  of  the  Loyal  Servant,  M.  de  Berville,  and  others.  By  E. 
Walford      With  Notes  and  Introduction  and  Vignette  Portrait,  &c. 

' Praise  of  him  must  walk  the  earth 

For  ever,  and  to  noble  deeds  give  birth, 

This  is  the  happy  warrior  ;  this  is  he 

That  every  man  in  arras  would  wish  to  be.'- — Wordsworth. 

THE     ESSAYS     OF     ABRAHAM     COWLEY, 

comprising  all  his  Prose  Works  ;  the  Celebrated  Character  of  Cromwell, 
Cutter  of  Coleman  Street,  &c.  &c.  With  Life,  Notes,  and  Illustrations  by 
Dr.  Hurd  and  others.     Newly  edited. 

'  Cowley's  prose  stamps  him  as  a  man  of  genius  and  an  improver  of  the  English  Language.' — 
Thos.  Campbell. 

ABDALLAH  and  the  FOUR-LEA  VED    SHAM- 

ROCK.  By  M.  de  Laboullaye,  of  the  French  Academy.  Translated  by 
M.  C.  Booth. 

One  of  the  noblest  and  purest  French  stories  ever  written. 

SAINT    LOUIS,    KING     OF    FRANCE.      The 

curious  and  characteristic  life  of  this  Monarch  by  De  Joinville.  Translated 
by  James  Hutton. 

'A  King,  a  Hero,  and  a  Man.' — Gibbon. 

TABLE-TALK  and  OPINIONS  of  NAPOLEON 

THE  GREAT  :  a  compilation,  from  the  best  sources,  of  this  great  man's 
shrewd  and  often  prophetic  thoughts,  forming  the  best  inner  life  of  the  most 
extraordinary  man  of  modern  times. 

TJie  aim  of  the  Publishers  will  be  not  only  to  put  forward  good  Books,  pure  and  sound 
in  morals,  but  to  produce  them  in  such  an  elegant  and  recherche  style  as  to  make  them 
attractive  to  all  cla.sses  of  readers  ;  and  they  wi,sh  especially  to  add  that  each  work  may 
be  relied  on  as  having  undergone  careful  editing,  and  as  being  complete  in  itself. 

*^  Several  of  the  Volumes  will  be  ready  for  publication  eaihj  in  the  coiniwj  season. 


London:  SAMPSON  LOW,   SON,  &  MARSTON,  Milton  House,  Ludgate  Hill. 


YD  03G67 


wr^G^Giis 


^]p 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


